Charles Mériotte - French master violin, mid 18th century

This French master violin by Charles Mériotte is a remarkable historical work in which the attributes of older Mirecourt craftsman tradition are cast in their finest light. Thanks to the violin’s excellent condition, it is an inspiring rarity, both historically and musically.

An intereresting master, Charles Mériotte represents the older Mirecourt school of classic French violin making in the period before Nicolas Lupot and Didier Nicolas, a time in which excellent luthiers created the foundation for Mirecourt’s ascent in the late 18th and 19th century. This fine violin thus illustrates a key period in the history of musical instruments, and with its flawless aesthetic and its inspiring sound, it epitomises the work of Mériotte at the age of around 38 and at the zenith of his creative power. A few years prior to 1758, the year in which this violin was completed according to its original label, Mériotte had settled in Lyons after his training in Mirecourt und Paris. The deep-flamed maple he chose for the two-piece back and ribs shows that Charles Mériotte had a well-stocked selection of top-quality tone woods at his disposal, which also included the beautifully grained spruce of the top. Its transparent golden-yellow varnish reflects the long musical biography of an instrument which was clearly played often yet always treated with great respect, and this is also evident in the very few minor and meticulously executed repairs that were performed. In top aesthetic and acoustic condition, this fine French master violin is ready to play and has a lightness in the way it unfolds the intriguing voice of its warm and full sound; the richness of its timbre has only grown over time. Includes Corilon's trade-in option and an optional certificate of appraisal.