Mathäus Funk
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mathäus Funk also spelled Matthäus Funk (German pronunciation: [mataːʊs funk]; 18 April 1697 - 24 September 1783) was a Swiss ebonist and cabinet maker who was primarily active in Bern, Switzerland. Many of his furniture pieces were featured in notable auctions like Lempertz or Sotheby's.[1][2]
18 April 1697
Mathäus Funk | |
|---|---|
Funk portrayed by John Webber, c. 1770 | |
| Born | Mathäus Funk 18 April 1697 |
| Died | 24 September 1783 (aged 86) |
| Occupations | Cabinet maker, ebonist |
| Era | Baroque |
| Spouse |
Maria Magdalena Wäber
(m. 1725) |
| Children | 1 |
| Relatives | John Webber (nephew-in-law) |
Life
Funk was born 18 April 1697 in Murten, Old Swiss Confederacy, to German-born Johann Lorenz Funk, a postal carrier, and Anna Margarita Funk (née Sergant). He completed an apprenticeship as cabinetmaker and then worked as a wandering journeyman.[3]
He took-up residency in Bern on 23 November 1724. In 1725 he married Maria Magdalena Wäber, who hailed from an old, well-established Bernese family. They had one son, Daniel Funk, who became a watchmaker. After his wife's death, his sister-in-law, Rosina Wäber, managed the household. A brother of his wife, Abraham Wäber, emigrated to England. His nephew-in-law, John Webber, became the expedition painter of James Cook.[4][5][6]