Paris School
Emile Germain
Paris, 1853–1933
Emile Germain (1853-1933) was a prolific and skilled Parisian violin maker, son of Joseph Louis Germain. He apprenticed in Mirecourt and worked with his father before establishing his own independent business, initially in partnership with Dehommais. Known for his personal model, fine workmanship, good quality varnish, and experience in restoring old Italian instruments, he produced over 500 instruments in a decade. Germain received a medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900 and operated from addresses including 12 Rue Croix des Petits Champs and 5 Faubourg Montmartre, with his bows branded "E. GERMAIN PARIS".
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | Bearing the maker's label, ribs and neck blemishes | December 2024 | £13,462 |
| Violin | May 2013 | £3,500 | |
| Violin | October 2011 | £2,500 | |
| Violin | 35.2 cm Paris, 1894 | October 2011 | £2,500 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1883 | December 2010 | £2,589 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1899 | December 2010 | £7,767 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1867 | April 2010 | £11,784 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Paris, 1900 | December 2009 | £6,528 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1900 c. | May 2009 | £4,658 |
| Violin | 35.6 cm Paris, 1901, after "Del Gesu" | March 2008 | £8,398 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1901 | December 2007 | £6,807 |
| Violin | 35.3 cm Paris, 1907 | October 2007 | £4,892 |
| Violin | Paris, 1886 | December 2006 | £4,394 |
| Violin | 35.4 cm Paris, 1900 c. (later varnished by "Emile Français") | December 2006 | £1,758 |
| Violin | 35.3 cm Paris, 1907 | December 2006 | £3,835 |
| Viola | 40.7 cm Paris, 1899 | June 2006 | £6,071 |
| Violin | 35.5 cm Paris, 1905, "Guarnerius del Gésu" model | June 2006 | £6,071 |
| Violin | Paris, 1904 | December 2005 | £4,390 |
| Violin | Paris, 1907 | June 2005 | £2,453 |
| Violin | Paris, 1906 | May 2005 | £8,073 |
| Violin | 1907 | October 2003 | £4,302 |
| Violin | 1886 | June 2002 | £6,281 |
| Violin | 1906 | December 2001 | £2,931 |
| Violin | 1883 | November 2001 | £6,500 |
| Violin | 1897 | November 1999 | £4,830 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 57 g. | March 1999 | £5,750 |
| Violin | 1906 | December 1998 | £4,033 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 52 g. | June 1994 | £977 |
| Violin | 1886 | June 1993 | £2,530 |
| Violin | 1883 | September 1991 | £5,720 |
| Violin | 1901 | June 1991 | £5,500 |
| Violin | 1886 | November 1990 | £3,300 |
| Violin | 1889 | November 1988 | £3,300 |
| Violin | 1889 | June 1988 | £2,090 |
| Violin | 1888 | April 1987 | £2,970 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 56 g. | September 1986 | £1,430 |
| Violin | 1896 | June 1985 | £2,388 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 59 g. | August 1984 | £1,430 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 56 g. | June 1984 | £1,585 |
| Viola Bow | S/E 69 g. | November 1982 | £1,210 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 61 g. | September 1982 | £1,540 |
| Violin | 1889 | June 1982 | £2,139 |
Maker Overview
Life
Emile Germain (1853-1933) was born on July 24, 1853, in Paris, France, the son of Joseph Louis Germain. He began his apprenticeship in Mirecourt in 1865, and by 1867, he had returned to Paris to work alongside his father. Sources contain conflicting information regarding the exact year he succeeded his father's business; The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers and A Dictionary of Violin Makers state 1870, while Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart indicates 1876. He subsequently formed a partnership with Dehommais, who specialized in varnish, a collaboration that lasted until Dehommais's departure from the firm in 1882. Emile Germain continued the business independently thereafter and was honored with a medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900.
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- Emile Germain was a skilled and prolific violin maker, with A Dictionary of Violin Makers noting he produced more than 500 instruments in a ten-year period, nearly all of which were personal work demonstrating talent and care.
- Model
- He developed a personal model distinguished by fine workmanship.
- Varnish
- He was known for using a good quality varnish.
- Bows
- His bows were generally described as rather heavy.
- Restoration
- He possessed considerable experience in the repair of old Italian instruments.
- Dehommais et Germain, à Paris
12 Rue Croix des Petits Champs Emile Germain, à Paris
5 Faubourg MontmartreJohn Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Apprenticeship: Emile Germain undertook an apprenticeship in Mirecourt starting in 1865.
- Mentorship: He worked under the guidance of his father, Joseph Louis Germain, in Paris from 1867 until his father's death in 1870.
- Awards: Emile Germain received a medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1900.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
GERMAIN, Émile Born 1853, died 1933 Paris France. Son of Joseph Louis Germain, below. Apprenticed in Mirecourt from 1865. Succeeded to father’s business in Paris 1870. In partnership with Dehommais, whose speciality was varnish, until 1882. Awarded a medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle 1900. Prolific maker. Personal model with fine workmanship. Bows, generally rather heavy, branded: E. GERMAIN PARIS Printed label: Dehommais et Germain, à Paris / 12 Rue Croix des Petits Champs Emile Germain, à Paris / 5 Faubourg Montmartre
George Hart+
Son of [Joseph Louis Germain]; is established in Paris as a maker and restorer of Violins.
Cecie Stainer+
Son of Joseph Louis Germain, to whose business he succeeded in 1870; b. July 24, 1853, Paris. In 1865 he was sent to Mirecourt to be apprenticed to the trade, returned to Paris in 1867, and, until his father’s death (1870), worked with him. Went into partnership with Dehommais, living first at 12, rue Croix-des-petits-Champs, and then at 5, Faubourg Montmartre. Dehommais retired in 1882, and Emile continued the business alone ; in ten years’ time he made more than 500 instruments, nearly all personal work, showing talent and care ; he used a good varnish. Was very experienced in repairing old Italian instruments.
and ” Emil Germain, a Paris, 5 Faubourg Montmartre, 1888.”
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Sohn von Joseph Louis G. Zuerst lernte er (seit 1864) in Mirecourt und
seit 1867 bei seinem Vater, dessen Geschäft er 1876 übernahm. Bei dieser
Gelegenheit verband er sich mit Dehommais, der jedoch 1882 aus der Firma wieder
austrat. Germain ist ein geschickter Geigenmacher,
der auch auf der Pariser Ausstellung 1900 hübsche Arbeiten ausgestellt hat. In 10 Jahren hat er an 500 Geigen gemacht.
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Working in Paris at the same time
(Pingrier) Frederic Pingrie worked 1895
A. Morhange worked 1919
Adolphe Dupary 1870–1940
Alexandre Martin worked 1890
Alfred Acoulon worked 1889–1914
Alfred Joseph Lamy 1850–1919