Ivan Eugen Padovec (17 July 1800 – 4 November 1873), commonly known as Johann (Ivan) Padowetz, born in Varaždin in Croatia (known for its festivals of baroque music), was a guitar virtuoso, who gave concerts in Zagreb, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Hamburg, London, etc. He constructed a ten-string guitar. Also, his Theoretisch-praktische Guitarrschule was published by Werner & Comp. in Vienna around 1844.
According to Kuchac, Padovec was perhaps ‘the first and only Croatian guitar virtuoso’.
It is not known where all his works ended up, as he sent some to Vienna, and it is not known to whom; fortunately, some of his works were bought by his pupil Lavoslav Vojska, a local official, accomplished guitarist and singer. Padovec composed over 200 works, which he wrote mainly for one or two guitars, some for voice with guitar accompaniment, and for chamber orchestras. He wrote compositions for voice and instrument to the lyrics of Croatian, Austrian and German poets. His works range from simple to complex sonatas, dances and other intricate pieces. His works were published by the Croatian publishers Lavoslav Hartman and others. He died without issue. His funeral was modest, and afterwards his admirers erected a monument to him. He is buried in Varaždin City Cemetery.