Luthiers such as Justin Maucotel rank amongst the masters of their craft who have all but been forgotten: their names keep recurring in the world of historic instruments, yet their biographies remain nearly entirely unexplored. One example is this fine violin, probably made by Maucotel around 1820 in
Luthiers such as Justin Maucotel rank amongst the masters of their craft who have all but been forgotten: their names keep recurring in the world of historic instruments, yet their biographies remain nearly entirely unexplored. One example is this fine violin, probably made by Maucotel around 1820 in Mirecourt; it is rich in character and features a beautiful sound. The elegance of its beesting corners and the delicately applied purfling reflect a compellingly thoughtful and experienced approach. The powerfully luminous deep-red varnish on a golden-yellow background demonstrates a mature aesthetic, especially when set against the two-piece maple back with its gentle and slightly falling flaming. This fine violin is worthy of a special recommendation because of its remarkably good condition and sound — a voice with a bright warmth and a singing, appealingly sweet note that soars. It has been meticulously set up by the specialists in our atelier and is now ready to play.
