Paul Blanchard workshop, Lyon 1920: French violin
Paul Blanchard (1851-1912) learned violin making as a student of Auguste Darte under the influence of Nicolas and Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, but then turned to the tradition of Lupot and Gand père - only to develop into a master with an unmistakable personal style in a collaboration with Hippolyte Chrétien Silvestre that lasted more than 10 years.
Paul Blanchard (1851-1912) learned violin making as a student of Auguste Darte under the influence of Nicolas and Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, but then turned to the tradition of Lupot and Gand père - only to develop into a master with an unmistakable personal style in a collaboration with Hippolyte Chrétien Silvestre that lasted more than 10 years.
This French violin by the Lugdunum brand, from the workshop of Paul Blanchard, was made in 1920, eight years after his death, in Lyon, where Paul Blanchard had settled in 1875; his appointment as violin maker at the Lyon Conservatory reflects the fine reputation that this multiple award-winning master's workshop soon enjoyed. As an heirloom from his most mature, late period, this violin, bearing the workshop and brand label Lugdunum, reflects Blanchard's deep engagement with the traditional Stradivari model, which he interpreted in the style of modern French violin making for his studio violins. The blackened edges of the scroll complement the beautiful, even grain of the medium-grained spruce and the flamed maple in a contemporary elegance – an expression of an aesthetic sense that unfolds musically in the warm, mature and singing voice of this Paul Blanchard studio violin. Thanks to its flawless condition, free of cracks, and its dark yet clear and mature sound, it is perfectly suited for demanding playing with the best precision. Like all our instruments, we deliver this violin ready to play immediately and free of shipping costs, with a 30-day right of return and a trade-in guarantee.
- Inventory no.
- 7544
- Maker
- Paul Blanchard
- Provenance
- Lyon
- Year
- 1920
- Tone
- warm, mature, full of character
- Length of back
- 35.8 cm