France School
Charles Adophe Maucotel
Mirecourt, Paris, 1820–1858
Charles Adophe Maucotel (1820-1858) was a highly skilled French violin maker who worked in Paris from 1839 until his tragic death in 1858. After an apprenticeship in Mirecourt, he worked for J. B. Vuillaume before establishing his own workshop, which moved through several locations in Paris. He was known for making excellent copies of Stradivari and Guarneri, using fine materials and varnish, and received medals for his work in 1844 and 1855.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viola | Bearing the maker's label and signature to the back, minor restoration, back blemish | June 2024 | £6,018 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm 1850 c. [Attributed to] | October 2010 | £4,882 |
| Violin | 36.0 cm Paris, 1853 | October 2010 | £6,000 |
| Cello | 76.0 cm Paris, 1847 (some restorations) | June 2009 | £47,709 |
| Violin | 35.7 cm Paris, 1847 | March 2009 | £14,400 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1848 | February 2006 | £12,000 |
| Violin | Paris, 1845 | November 2005 | £11,400 |
| Violin | Paris, 1855 | May 2004 | £2,988 |
Maker Overview
Life
Charles Adophe Maucotel (1820-1858) was born in Mirecourt in 1820 and died in Paris on February 6, 1858. He worked in Paris from 1839 until his death in 1858. After an apprenticeship in Mirecourt, he went to Paris and worked for five years, from 1839 to 1844, under J. B. Vuillaume, as detailed by Cecie Stainer and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. In 1844, he started his own business in the Galerie Vivienne, later moving first to the Rue Croix-des-Petits-Champs in 1852, and then to the Rue Princesse. Tragically, he took his own life at the age of 38 in 1858, cutting his throat during an attack of brain-fever, as reported by Cecie Stainer and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- He was a very skilled violin maker whose instruments have lasting value. His numerous violins, altos, and violoncellos show good work and have a fine tone.
- Models
- He made excellent copies of the works of Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri, producing fine instruments on classical Cremonese models.
- Materials & Varnish
- His instruments are characterized by excellent materials and varnish.
- Charles Adolphe Maucotel à Paris
Rue Croix des Petits Champs Année, 18..John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Apprenticeship: Charles Adophe Maucotel was apprenticed in Mirecourt.
- Mentorship: He worked for five years, from 1839 to 1844, under J. B. Vuillaume in Paris.
- Awards: In 1844, he was awarded a bronze medal for an alto placed in the 2nd class, and in 1855, he received a medal of the 2nd class in Paris.
- Notable Instruments: A violoncello in the Paris Conservatorium clearly demonstrates his merits.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
MAUCOTEL, Charles Adolphe Born 1820 Mirecourt, died 1858 Paris France. Brother of Charles Maucotel, above. Worked for Vuillaume. Established in the Galerie Vivienne, Paris from 1844, in Croix des Petits Champs 1852, and finally in rue Princess. Took his own life aged 38. Fine instruments on classical Cremonese models. Excellent materials and varnish. Charles Adolphe Maucotel à Paris / Rue Croix des Petits Champs Année, 18..
George Hart+
Worked in Paris from 1839 until 1858, in which year he died. He made many excellent instruments.
Cecie Stainer+
Brother of Charles ; b. 1820 at Mirecourt; d. Feb. 6, 1858, at Paris. Apprenticed in Mirecourt; then went to Paris and worked for five years (1839-44) under J. B. Vuillaume. In 1844 he started his business in Galerie Vivienne, but later moved first to rue Croix-des-petits-Champs and then to rue Princesse ; it was there he committed suicide in 1858, by cutting his throat during an attack of brain-fever.
He made excellent copies of the works of Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri, and his numerous violins, altos, and violoncellos show good work and have a fine tone. In 1844 he was awarded a bronze medal for an alto placed in the 2nd class, and in 1855 a medal of the 2nd class.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Arbeitete von 1839—1844 in Paris bei J. B. Vuillaume und eröffnete dann
in der Galerie Vivienne seine eigene Werkstatt, die er dann in die Rue Croix-des-
Petits-Champs und zuletzt in die Rue Princesse verlegte. Sehr geschickter
Geigenmacher, dessen Instrumente dauernden Werth haben. In Paris 1855 erhielt
er auch eine Medaille. Ein Violoncello im Pariser Conservatorium lässt
seine Vorzüge gut erkennen. Leider starb er noch in jungen Jahren, und zwar
auf tragische Weise. Im Fieberwahnsinn durchschnitt er sich mit einem Rasiermesser
die Gurgel und starb auf dem Transport in das Krankenhaus.
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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 Fontaine worked 1835–1860
Alexandre Paverot worked 1820
Alexis Gand b. 1797
Amable Chevrier 1823–1916