Pierre Napoleon Jeandel

Life

Pierre Napoleon Jeandel (1812-1879) was born in Courcelles-sous-Vaudemont (Meurthe). Sources provide conflicting information regarding his birth year, with John Dilworth stating 1810, while Cecie Stainer indicates 1812. He died on May 10, 1879, in Rouen, France, though John Dilworth notes his death year as 1878. Jeandel began his apprenticeship in Mirecourt, becoming a pupil of Charotte around 1830. In 1835, he moved to Rouen to work with Joseph Charotte, who was the brother of his Mirecourt teacher. Following Joseph Charotte's death in 1836, Jeandel, in partnership with Lucien Delau, took over the business located at 36, rue Beauvoisine. This partnership dissolved in 1848, at which point Jeandel established his own workshop at 51, quai de Paris, where he continued to work until 1878. In his later years, he reportedly lacked the material success he deserved, and after the death of his daughter, he became helpless. His health failed, and he was admitted into the 'hospice general' of Rouen on December 27, 1878, where he passed away a few months later.

Characteristics

Model

Jeandel's instruments often feature a large, flat-arched Mirecourt model.

Varnish

He utilized a red varnish, sometimes described as a heavy red-brown varnish applied over a yellow ground.

Workmanship

He was considered a clever workman, producing well-made instruments with a good tone.

Signing

His instruments are signed internally with 'Jeandel'.

Influence and legacy

• Mentorship: Pierre Napoleon Jeandel was a pupil of Charotte in Mirecourt from approximately 1830. He later worked under Joseph Charotte in Rouen.
• Awards: Jeandel received several accolades for his work, including a bronze medal at Rouen in 1854, a 1st class medal at Paris in 1855, and a silver medal at Rouen in 1856.