Victor Fetique French cello bow (certificate by J. F. Raffin)

Designed for soloist performance and challenging interpretations, this fine French cello bow by Victor François Fétique was made in Paris around 1925. Victor Fétique's bows of this period — the time after he had established his own workshop around 1910 — are considered his finest work and justify his standing as one of the most significant French bow makers of the 20th century. As a native son raised in the rich traditions of Mirecourt, the historic French violin-making town, Victor Fétique learned his craft at outstanding ateliers, completing his training under Charles Nicolas Bazin before working for twelve years at the highly esteemed atelier Caressa et Français. Extremely talented, well trained and extensively experienced, he looked forward to a bright future when he became an independent master at the age of forty; however, within a few years health problems forced him to rely upon commissions from other ateliers. Consequently, only his early works such as this cello bow can be seen as a clear expression of his own style and the exceptionally high quality of his work. In its responsiveness and excellent elasticity, the light-brown pernambuco stick with its round profile is strong and compelling. Its weight of 81.6 g is perfectly distributed, and its well-centered balance point measures at 24.7 cm of the total length of 71.0 cm, making it possible to play music with great nuance. A silver button and an ebony frog with a Parisian eye from a later date corresponds to the original fittings and allow us to offer this fine Fetique cello bow at an especially low price. Victor Fétique's brandmark is complemented by the word "France" and can be seen above the frog. It has been carefully set up at our specialist atelier and made ready to play, and we recommend this magnificently preserved soloist bow crafted by the hand of an exceptional historic master. The bow is especially noteworthy because of its powerful bright sound with an unmistakably French clarity. A singular work, its provenance is confirmed by a certificate of authenticity issued by Parisian expert Jean-François Raffin.

 

 

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