Violin by Hippolyte Chrétien Silvestre, Lyon, 1883

About Hippolyte Chrétien Silvestre

Hippolyte Chrétien Silvestre was the nephew of the violin makers Pierre and Hippolyte Silvestre of Lyon. Having trained initially in Mirecourt, he joined his uncles' workshop before taking over the business in 1865. In 1884 he moved to Paris, establishing himself under the name Silvestre Neveu. Around 1900 he entered into partnership with Ernest Maucotel, the firm trading as Silvestre & Maucotel until Silvestre's death in 1913.

Silvestre was one of the finest French makers of his generation, bridging the era between Vuillaume's dominance and the modern age. Working largely on Stradivari and Guarneri models, he produced instruments of exceptional quality that are highly regarded for both their workmanship and tonal characteristics.

About the violin

This violin was made in Lyon the year before Silvestre moved to Paris and is modelled after the instruments of Stradivari.

The violin has a very pretty one-piece back of quarter-sawn maple with ribs and scroll of similar wood. The front is two pieces of excellent quality spruce and the varnish is a rich red in colour, laid over a lighter golden ground.

The violin has a length of back of 359 mm.

How does it sound?

This is a dazzling, sophisticated violin! The sound is huge but broad, never losing generosity in louder passages. It's tremendous fun to play.

Condition

The violin is in good condition with some superbly-executed repairs.

More information

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