Paul Blanchard violin, Lyon, FRANCE 1896 #399 | Metzler Violins
sweet, rich, even
About the Instrument
This excellent French violin is absolutely lovely to play. Its even tone allows the musician to fully express their artistry. A sound matured over time, it is sweet and rich in overtones, with an exquisite high register. The back is formed from two pieces of quarter cut maple, with handsome medium flame slanting downward from the center joint. The wood of the ribs and scroll match the back and are outlined in black—typical of French instruments of the time. The grain of the two-piece spruce top is straight, narrow, and even. The elongated f-holes highlight Blanchard’s delicate craftsmanship as well as the blackened camfers along the scroll. The instrument is varnished a lovely reddish-brown, with shading and antiquing that reveals a beautiful golden-brown ground. The violin has been modestly repaired with a soundpost patch with multiple cleats; its back is in excellent condition. Overall, this violin is in good condition.
Interior label reads: “Fair par Paul Blanchard / à Lyon en 1896 № 399.”
The label also bears the maker’s mark, PB, and a border decorated with a Latin proverb: “Viva fui in silvis sum dura occisa securi dum vixi tacui mortua dulce cano,” which translates to “I was alive in the woods; I was cut down by the cruel axe. While I lived I was silent; In death I sweetly sing.”
Length: 359 mm
Upper Bouts: 170 mm
Middle Bouts: 115 mm
Lower Bouts: 209 mm
About the Maker
Paul-François Blanchard (1851-1912) was born in Mirecourt and was the grandson of luthier François Blanchard. In 1865, Blanchard began to apprentice under Auguste Darte, the heir apparent to Vuillaume. Blanchard then worked for Vuillaume himself before he settled in Lyon in the mid-1870s. Once in Lyon, Blanchard became the official luthier to the Lyon Conservatoire. Over his career, Blanchard crafted roughly 1200 stringed instruments, making him one of the most productive luthiers of 19th century France. Silvestre loomed large as an influence, and, until 1885, Blanchard’s instruments often echoed that master’s style with thin purfling and hollowed edges at the top and back. As Blanchard matured and evolved in his craft, his purfling widens. This 1896 violin highlights the full spectrum of his refined artistry.
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Paul Blanchard violin, Lyon, FRANCE 1896 #399 | Metzler Violins
Paul Blanchard violin, Lyon, FRANCE 1896 #399 | Metzler Violins
sweet, rich, even
About the Instrument
This excellent French violin is absolutely lovely to play. Its even tone allows the musician to fully express their artistry. A sound matured over time, it is sweet and rich in overtones, with an exquisite high register. The back is formed from two pieces of quarter cut maple, with handsome medium flame slanting downward from the center joint. The wood of the ribs and scroll match the back and are outlined in black—typical of French instruments of the time. The grain of the two-piece spruce top is straight, narrow, and even. The elongated f-holes highlight Blanchard’s delicate craftsmanship as well as the blackened camfers along the scroll. The instrument is varnished a lovely reddish-brown, with shading and antiquing that reveals a beautiful golden-brown ground. The violin has been modestly repaired with a soundpost patch with multiple cleats; its back is in excellent condition. Overall, this violin is in good condition.
Interior label reads: “Fair par Paul Blanchard / à Lyon en 1896 № 399.”
The label also bears the maker’s mark, PB, and a border decorated with a Latin proverb: “Viva fui in silvis sum dura occisa securi dum vixi tacui mortua dulce cano,” which translates to “I was alive in the woods; I was cut down by the cruel axe. While I lived I was silent; In death I sweetly sing.”
Length: 359 mm
Upper Bouts: 170 mm
Middle Bouts: 115 mm
Lower Bouts: 209 mm
About the Maker
Paul-François Blanchard (1851-1912) was born in Mirecourt and was the grandson of luthier François Blanchard. In 1865, Blanchard began to apprentice under Auguste Darte, the heir apparent to Vuillaume. Blanchard then worked for Vuillaume himself before he settled in Lyon in the mid-1870s. Once in Lyon, Blanchard became the official luthier to the Lyon Conservatoire. Over his career, Blanchard crafted roughly 1200 stringed instruments, making him one of the most productive luthiers of 19th century France. Silvestre loomed large as an influence, and, until 1885, Blanchard’s instruments often echoed that master’s style with thin purfling and hollowed edges at the top and back. As Blanchard matured and evolved in his craft, his purfling widens. This 1896 violin highlights the full spectrum of his refined artistry.
Product Information
Product Information
Shipping & Returns
Shipping & Returns
Description
sweet, rich, even
About the Instrument
This excellent French violin is absolutely lovely to play. Its even tone allows the musician to fully express their artistry. A sound matured over time, it is sweet and rich in overtones, with an exquisite high register. The back is formed from two pieces of quarter cut maple, with handsome medium flame slanting downward from the center joint. The wood of the ribs and scroll match the back and are outlined in black—typical of French instruments of the time. The grain of the two-piece spruce top is straight, narrow, and even. The elongated f-holes highlight Blanchard’s delicate craftsmanship as well as the blackened camfers along the scroll. The instrument is varnished a lovely reddish-brown, with shading and antiquing that reveals a beautiful golden-brown ground. The violin has been modestly repaired with a soundpost patch with multiple cleats; its back is in excellent condition. Overall, this violin is in good condition.
Interior label reads: “Fair par Paul Blanchard / à Lyon en 1896 № 399.”
The label also bears the maker’s mark, PB, and a border decorated with a Latin proverb: “Viva fui in silvis sum dura occisa securi dum vixi tacui mortua dulce cano,” which translates to “I was alive in the woods; I was cut down by the cruel axe. While I lived I was silent; In death I sweetly sing.”
Length: 359 mm
Upper Bouts: 170 mm
Middle Bouts: 115 mm
Lower Bouts: 209 mm
About the Maker
Paul-François Blanchard (1851-1912) was born in Mirecourt and was the grandson of luthier François Blanchard. In 1865, Blanchard began to apprentice under Auguste Darte, the heir apparent to Vuillaume. Blanchard then worked for Vuillaume himself before he settled in Lyon in the mid-1870s. Once in Lyon, Blanchard became the official luthier to the Lyon Conservatoire. Over his career, Blanchard crafted roughly 1200 stringed instruments, making him one of the most productive luthiers of 19th century France. Silvestre loomed large as an influence, and, until 1885, Blanchard’s instruments often echoed that master’s style with thin purfling and hollowed edges at the top and back. As Blanchard matured and evolved in his craft, his purfling widens. This 1896 violin highlights the full spectrum of his refined artistry.
