Fine French violin by Léon Victor Mougenot, 1935 (certificate by Hieronymus Köstler)

Léon Victor Mougenot was one of the most influential figures in the field of modern artisan violin making in France. This fine violin, which is one of his rare personal masterpieces made in 1935, features the original “Leon Mougenot” label and is an impressive example of the art pursued in his atelier. Whilst the instrument factories in Mirecourt were thriving and flourishing, Leon Mougenot - who studied with Paul Blanchard in Paris and Hill & Sons in London - was winning over outstanding apprentices and employees to his studio, luthiers who felt strongly bound to the standards of the historic Italian masters as well as the French tradition of Lupot and Vuillaume. His school served as the point of origin for such noteworthy masters as Jean Striebig and the brothers Giacomo and Léandro Bisiach; it was also the birthplace of expressive pieces such as this violin, which was built with extraordinary accuracy. Its narrow sound holes and delicate purfling reflect the finest craftsmanship and emphasise the somewhat feminine character of the elegantly carved scroll. This fine French violin has been maintained in top crackfree condition. This fine Leon Victor Mougenot violin was - like all stringed instruments from Corilon violins - very carefully set up and made ready to play in our specialist atelier for restoration. The lustrous oil varnish applied to the golden-yellow wood with slight traces of use which indicate the instrument's musical virtues at a glance. Based on a model by Stradivarius, its special strength is its brilliant, clear, large sound, which has a clarity and power that will meet the highest standards. Included in the price is a certificate from the Stuttgart-based exeprt Hieronymus Köstler.