Joseph Rene Lafleur

Name: Joseph Rene Lafleur auction price records, Amati Instrument Archive
Creator: Amati

Paris, 1812–1874

Joseph Rene Lafleur (1812-1874) was a significant French bowmaker, son and successor of Jacques Lafleur. He was employed by Lupot and later established his own workshop in Paris, producing both innovative and conventional bows of high quality, some of which are preserved in the Paris Conservatoire Museum. His work was compared favorably to that of François Tourte, and his firm also expanded into music publishing.

Worked Paris

Made Cello Bow, Viola Bow, Violin, Violin Bow

Family Son of Jacques Lafleur

Auction price history

Highest auction price

£23,750

Type	Details	Sold	Price
Violin	One-piece back, varnish of a red brown colour on a golden ground, minor table crack to the lower bout	December 2024	£8,019
Violin Bow		March 2012	£23,750
Violin Bow	S/E 47.5 g. without hair or winding	December 2011	£22,193
Cello Bow	N/E 74 g. [Worskhop of]	June 2011	£3,306
Violin Bow	S/E 60.5 g. [Attributed to]	May 2011	£2,731
Violin Bow	46.5 g. without hair or winding	June 2009	£4,356
Cello Bow	S/E 77 g. (button not original)	June 2007	£12,024
Violin Bow	S/E 58.5 g.	March 2007	£11,500
Violin Bow	N/E 58.5 g. (button not original)	October 2006	£4,618
Viola Bow	S/E 70.5 g. [Attributed to]	May 2006	£7,358
Violin Bow	S/E 60.5 g. (original repair to center stick)	May 2006	£3,066
Violin Bow	S/E 61 g.	June 2005	£8,050
Violin Bow	S/E 49.0 g. no lapping [Attributed to]	October 2004	£1,272
Violin	N/E 58.0 g.	May 2004	£2,573
Violin Bow	S/E 57 g.	November 2003	£7,200
Violin Bow	N/E 61 g.	November 1998	£2,300
Violin	1911	May 1998	£575
Violin Bow	S/E 56 g.	March 1997	£1,092
Violin Bow	N/E 61 g.	March 1996	£2,300

Maker Overview

Life

Joseph Rene Lafleur (1812-1874) was born on July 8, 1812, in Paris, France, and died on February 19, 1874, in Maisons Lafitte. He was the son and successor of Jacques Lafleur. Joseph Rene Lafleur was active as a bowmaker from approximately 1830. From about 1833, he was employed by Lupot. He established himself independently at 9 rue de Petit Carreau, and from 1849, at 2 Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle. According to Cecie Stainer, he was living in the rue de la Cite in 1835, likely having moved there from rue de la Juiverie after his father's death. He apparently retired around 1865. His brother went to London, where he was still living in 1824.

Characteristics

Bowmaking Style: He worked in the style of his master, Lupot, characterized by low plain frogs.
Innovation: He produced some eccentric and innovative work, including bows with laminated and reinforced sticks.
Quality: He also created many conventional and beautiful bows, noted for their excellent wood and fine playing qualities.
Comparison: His bows rival those of François Tourte, and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff noted his significance as a bowmaker, placing him close to Tourte.
Branding: His bows were branded "LAFLEUR" according to Millant/Raffin.
Notable Works: Several beautiful bows by him, including interesting experimental pieces, are preserved in the Museum of the Paris Conservatoire.

Influence and legacy

Mentorship: He was a pupil of his father, Jacques Lafleur.
Stylistic Influence: He worked in the style of Lupot, by whom he was employed from approximately 1833.
Associates: He may briefly have employed F. Peccatte.
Museum Collections: Several of his beautiful bows, including interesting experimental pieces, are preserved in the Museum of the Paris Conservatoire.
Business Expansion: Since about 1840, the Lafleur firm, established in the boulevard Bonne-Nouvelle, added a music-publishing business to its instrument making activities.

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Biographies

The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:

John Dilworth+

LAFLEUR, Joseph René Born 1812, died 1874 Paris France. Son and successor of Jacques Lafleur, above. Active bowmaker from c.1830. Employed by Lupot from c.1833, and worked in the style of his master with low plain frogs. Established independently at 9 rue de Petit Carreau, and from 1849 at 2 Boulevard Bonne Nouvelle. May briefly have employed F. Peccatte. Apparently retired c.1865. Produced some eccentric and innovative work with laminated and reinforced sticks, but also many conventional and beautiful bows with excellent wood and fine playing qualities. Branded: LAFLEUR [Millant/Raffin]

Cecie Stainer+

Son of Jacques ; b. July 8, 1812, Paris ; d. Feb. 19, 1874, Maisons Lafitte. Was living in the rue de la Cite in 1835, probably moved there from rue de la Juiverie after his father’s death. Pupil of his father, and a very clever workman, producing bows which rival those of François Tourte; a very beautiful one is in the Paris Conservatoire Collection.
Since about 1840 the Lafleur firm has been established in the boulevard Bonne-Nouvelle pres de la porte Saint-Denis, and has added a music-publishing business to that of instrument making.

Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+

Sohn von Jacques L. — Er war ursprünglich Geiger und wandte sich erst
später der Geigenmacherei zu; zuletzt wurde er auch Musikverleger. Bedeutung
hatte er nur als Bogenmacher und kam in dieser Beziehung Tourte nahe.
Mehrere schöne Bögen von ihm, darunter interessante Versuche, bewahrt das
Museum des Pariser Conservatoriums. — Ein Bruder von ihm ging nach
London, wo er noch 1824 lebte.

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