France School
Joseph Louis Germain
Mirecourt, Paris, 1822–1870
Joseph Louis Germain (1822-1870) was a highly talented French violin maker who trained in Mirecourt before moving to Paris in 1840. He worked for esteemed makers such as Charles François Gand and Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, for whom he made several excellent instruments, and later became principal workman for Gand fils. Establishing his own workshop in 1862 on rue Saint-Denis, Germain was known for his fine French work on classical models, often featuring shaded varnish, and his exceptional skill in repairing old instruments. His son, Emile, also followed in his footsteps as a violin maker.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | Labelled Louis Joseph Germain Luthier À Paris, Annee 1867 No. 35 | May 2024 | £7,068 |
| Cello | 76.6 cm Paris, 1868 | December 2009 | £31,554 |
| Violin | 1865 | May 1999 | £1,618 |
| Violin Bow | G/T 65 g. | March 1999 | £747 |
Maker Overview
Life
Joseph Louis Germain (1822-1870) was born in Mirecourt on July 23, 1822, where he received his initial training. He moved to Paris in 1840, where he first joined Charles François Gand's workshop, remaining there until Gand's death in 1845. Following this, he worked for Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume from 1845 to 1850, creating several choice instruments for him. In 1850, he became the principal workman for Gand fils, continuing in this role until 1862. He then established his own independent business in 1862 at 364, rue Saint-Denis. Joseph Louis Germain retired to Mirecourt in 1870, where he died on July 5, 1870. However, John Dilworth's account states he died in Paris in 1870, indicating conflicting information regarding his exact place of death.
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- Joseph Louis Germain was recognized as a maker of great talent, producing fine French work with superior workmanship.
- Models
- His instruments were often made on classical models.
- Varnish
- He frequently used shaded varnish on his instruments.
- Specialization
- He was especially skillful in repairing old instruments.
- Louis Joseph Germain, Luthier
A Paris, Année 1867John Dilworth - L +J G Joseph Louis Germain, à Paris
Année 1869John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Training: Joseph Louis Germain received his initial training in his birthplace of Mirecourt.
- Mentorship: He worked under prominent Parisian makers, including Charles François Gand and Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume, and later served as principal workman for Gand fils.
- Family Continuity: His son, Emile Germain, also became a violin maker.
- Reputation: He was known as a great talent of extraordinary modesty, though his exceptional abilities were often employed in making instruments for the trade rather than under his own name.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
GERMAIN, Joseph Louis Born 1822 Mirecourt, died 1870 Paris France. Trained in Mirecourt before moving to Paris 1840. Worked for C. F. Gand, then for Vuillaume, 1845-1850. Appointed principal workman for Gand fils 1851. Established independently in rue Saint-Denis 1862. Fine French work on classical models with shaded varnish. Louis Joseph Germain, Luthier / A Paris, Année 1867 L +J G Joseph Louis Germain, à Paris / Année 1869 J +G
George Hart+
In Paris he was employed by François Gand, and afterwards worked for Vuillaume, for whom he made several choice instruments. It is to be regretted that his exceptional abilities were not allowed to add lustre to his name, he having made for the trade. He died in 1870.
Cecie Stainer+
b. July 23, 1822, Mirecourt ; d. there, July 5, 1870. Apprenticed at Mirecourt, went to Paris, 1840, and worked under Charles François Gand, till the death of the latter (1845). Was then employed by J. B. Vuillaume, for whom he made several excellent instruments, till 1850, when he became first workman under ” Gand Fils.” In 1862 he started his own business at 364, rue Saint-Denis.
He retired to Mirecourt in 1870, and died the same year. He was a maker of great talent, and his instruments show superior workmanship. He was especially skilful in repairing old instruments.
His son Emile was also a violin maker.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Er wurde in seinem Geburtsort ausgebildet, kam 1840 nach Paris und trat
bei Ch. F. Gand ein. Nach dessen Tod ging er zu J. B. Vuillaume und blieb
hier bis 1850, um dann bei den Söhnen Gand’s bis 1862 zu arbeiten. Hierauf
machte er sich in der Rue Saint Denis No. 364 selbstständig, ging 1870 nach
Mirecourt zurück, wo er dann am 5. Juli 1870 starb. Ein grosses Talent von
ausserordentlicher Bescheidenheit.
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Family
Emile Germain Son
Working in Mirecourt at the same time
(Persoit) Jean Pierre Marie Persois worked 1809–1854
A. Blondelet worked 1850–1865
Adolphe Chanot 1826–1854
Aimable Antoine Thouvenel 1815–1890
Alexandre Delanoy 1850–1928
Alexandre Fontaine worked 1835–1860
Alexandre Paverot worked 1820
Alexis Gand b. 1797