Italy School
Pierre Pacherele
Mirecourt, Nice, Turin, 1803–1871
Pierre Pacherele (1803-1871) was a French violin maker born in Mirecourt and active in various European cities, including Paris, Nice, Genoa, Turin, and Geneva. A fellow-apprentice and lifelong friend of J. B. Vuillaume, he was known for his prolific output, often copying Stradivari models with great care and using excellent materials. While his workmanship was highly regarded, his varnish was frequently criticized for being too thick and intransparent. He was also highly esteemed as a repairer of instruments and collaborated with Pressenda in Turin.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
14 results
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 35.8 cm Attributed to | — | December 2011 | £3,600 |
| Violin | 36.5 cm Pacherel, 1820 c. | — | October 2008 | £10,530 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm 19th C. Possibly by | — | October 2006 | £4,598 |
| Violin | Nice, 1869 | — | November 2005 | £13,200 |
| Violin | Torino, 1847 | — | November 2005 | £2,842 |
| Violin | Nice, 1860 c. | — | February 2005 | £10,800 |
| Violin | 1828 | — | November 2002 | £31,070 |
| Violin | 1840 | — | November 1998 | £18,100 |
| Viola | 39.1 cm 18-- | — | June 1990 | £4,400 |
| Violin | 1830 c. | — | June 1989 | £14,300 |
| Violin | 1800 c. | — | September 1988 | £770 |
| Violin | 1836 | — | March 1988 | £16,533 |
| Violin | 1842 | — | November 1987 | £12,100 |
| Cello | 1850 | — | November 1981 | £6,600 |
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Maker Overview
Life
Pierre Pacherele (1803-1871) was born in Mirecourt in 1803 and died in Nice, France, on December 31, 1871. He was a fellow-apprentice of J. B. Vuillaume in Mirecourt and remained his trusted friend throughout his life. Around 1830, he moved to Paris, then went to Nice around 1840. He also spent time in Genoa and Turin, where he worked with the violin maker Pressenda. He returned to Nice in 1849, though he maintained connections with Turin and made several trips back and forth up to 1854. John Dilworth notes that he was active in Turin from 1822, established there in 1826, and briefly in Geneva before returning to Turin around 1828.
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- Pierre Pacherele's work is characterized by great care and accurate finishing, using excellent materials. George Hart notes his good workmanship, while Cecie Stainer also highlights the good workmanship of his many violins, altos, and violoncellos.
- Models
- He frequently took Stradivari as his model, making many copies.
- Varnish
- His varnish is often described as not transparent enough, frequently too thick, dull, and intransparent, typically dark red in color.
- Repairs
- He was highly esteemed as a repairer of instruments.
- Influence
- Some of his instruments show the distinct influence of Pressenda, featuring broad edges, extended purfling mitres, and a slightly heavy scroll.
- Signatures
- Some instruments are signed internally.
- Labels both manuscript and printed: Pierre Pacharel
Luthier
Nice 18..John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Training: Pierre Pacherele was a fellow-apprentice of J. B. Vuillaume in Mirecourt.
- Collaboration: He assisted Pressenda in Turin up to 1849.
- Assistance: In Nice, he was aided by Augustin Blanchi.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
PACHEREL(E), Pierre Born 1803 Mirecourt, died 1871 Nice France. Presumed to be the grandson of Michel Pacherele, above. Active in Turin from 1822, established there in 1826. Briefly in Geneva but returned to Turin c.1828. Finally settled in Nice from 1832. Maintained his connection to Turin however, and seems to have made several trips back and forth up to 1854. Assisted Pressenda in Turin up to 1849 and himself aided in Nice by Augustin Blanchi. Stradivari model, very accurately finished and using excellent materials, but varnish generally a little dull and intransparent, dark red in colour. Some show the distinct influence of Pressenda, with broad edges and extended purfling mitres, the scroll also a little heavy. Some instruments signed internally. Labels both manuscript and printed: Pierre Pacharel / Luthier / Nice 18.. [Blot IV]
George Hart+
Probably related to Michel Pacherele. Good workmanship, made several copies of Stradivari.
Cecie Stainer+
b. 1803, Mirecourt ; d. Dec. 31, 1871, Nice. Was a fellow-apprentice of J. B. Vuillaume at Mirecourt. After 1830 he moved about, working first at Nice, then at Genoa, then at Turin with Pressenda the violin maker, finally returning, in 1839, to Nice. He made a great many violins, altos, and violoncellos, all of good workmanship, but the varnish was thick and heavy; he often took Stradivari for his model. He was also a clever repairer of instruments.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Ein Mitschüler J. B. Vuillaume’s in Mirecourt und lebenslang sein vertrauter
Freund. Um 1830 kam er nach Paris, ging gegen 1840 nach Nizza
hielt sich auch eine Zeit lang in Genua und Turin bei Pressenda auf und ging
1849 wieder nach Nizza. Seine Arbeit zeichnet sich, obwohl er sehr fleissig
war und viele Instrumente (meist nach Stradivari) gemacht hat, durch grosse
Sorgfalt aus. Nur sein Lack ist nicht durchsichtig genug und häufig zu dick.
Besonders geschätzt war er als Reparateur.
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