Cello by A.S.P Bernardel, Paris, 1859
This cello has now sold.
About Auguste Sébastien Philippe Bernardel
Auguste Sébastien Philippe Bernardel, also known as Bernardel Père, served his apprenticeship in his hometown of Mirecourt. He then moved to Paris to work for the great Nicolas Lupot and then for Charles François Gand. Bernardel set up on his own in 1826, eventually passing the business on to his two sons. Gustave and Ernest Auguste Bernardel later partnered with Charles Nicolas Eugène Gand to form the prolific Gand & Bernardel Frères firm. This firm produced over a thousand instruments and bows over a 35-year period.
Bernardel Père is now remembered as one of France´s greatest makers, having come to prominence during what could be considered the Golden Era of French violin making.
About the cello
This beautiful Maggini model cello was made in 1859, seven years before Bernardel Père´s retirement. The cello has a two piece maple back, the flame running almost horizontally. The front is two pieces of medium-grained spruce and the varnish is a brownish-red colour laid over a golden ground.
The cello has a length of back of 759mm.
How does it sound?
The cello has an enormous, chocolatey sound and clearly demonstrates why Bernardel´s cellos are so sought after.
Condition
The cello is in excellent condition.
Certification
It comes with a 2003 certificate of Jean-Jacques Rampal.