Mirecourt School
Charles Maucotel
Mirecourt
Charles Maucotel (1807-1860) was a distinguished French violin maker, born in Mirecourt. His career began with an apprenticeship under Bloise Mast, followed by work with Gand in Paris. In 1844, he moved to London, where he was initially employed by W. Davis before establishing his own workshop at 8, Rupert Street, Haymarket. Maucotel was renowned for producing excellent instruments, characterized by careful workmanship, good tone, and fine varnish, often crafted on Cremonese models. He retired in 1860 and returned to France.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 1855 | November 2002 | £7,820 |
| Violin | 1858 | November 2000 | £6,900 |
| Violin | 1860 | March 1999 | £8,050 |
| Violin | 1845 c. | March 1997 | £10,350 |
| Violin | 1856 | December 1994 | £4,423 |
| Violin | 1858 | November 1991 | £8,800 |
| Violin | 1856 | March 1991 | £4,840 |
| Violin | 1859 | March 1990 | £3,080 |
| Violin | 1859 | March 1984 | £1,375 |
| Violin | 1850 c. | June 1983 | £2,808 |
| Violin | 185- | November 1980 | £495 |
Maker Overview
Life
Charles Maucotel (1807-1860)
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- Charles Maucotel was highly regarded as a very capable violin maker ("sehr tüchtiger Geigenmacher," Lütgendorff). His instruments are noted for their excellent workmanship, good tone, and fine varnish (Stainer, Hart). George Hart specifically highlights that his instruments are "strong in wood and carefully modelled."
- Models
- He meticulously crafted instruments based on Cremonese models (Dilworth).
- Varnish
- His instruments feature fine varnish applied in appropriate colours (Dilworth).
- Label
- Examples of his labels include "Carolus Maucotelus / fecit Londini 1852" (Dilworth).
- Carolus Maucotelus
fecit Londini 1852John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Apprenticeship: He received his initial training as an apprentice to Bloise Mast (Stainer, Lütgendorff, Dilworth).
- Mentorship: In Paris, he worked under the guidance of Gand starting in 1834 (Stainer, Hart, Dilworth).
- Employment: Upon moving to London in 1844, he was employed by W. Davis (Stainer, Lütgendorff, Hart, Dilworth).
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
MAUCOTEL, Charles Born 1907 Mirecourt, died 1860 France. Pupil of Blaise Mast. Employed by Gand in Paris from 1834. Worked in London for Davis 1844-1860, then retired to France. Careful work on Cremonese models. Fine varnish in appropriate colours. Carolus Maucotelus / fecit Londini 1852
George Hart+
In 1834 he entered the workshop of Gand in Paris. In 1844 he was employed by Davis of Coventry Street, London, and ultimately commenced business in Rupert Street, from which he retired in 1860, and returned to France. He made several instruments, all of which have good qualities in workmanship and tone. They are strong in wood and carefully modelled.
Cecie Stainer+
Brother of Charles Adolphe Maucotel; b. Nov. 1, 1807, Mirecourt. Was first apprenticed to Bloise Mast; in 1834 went to Paris and worked under Gand; in Dec, 1844, moved to London, where at first he was employed by W. Davis, of 34, Coventry Street, but then started his own business in 8, Rupert Street, Haymarket ; 1851-58, Georges Chanot worked with him.
He retired from business in Aug., 1860, and returned to France. He made some excellent instruments, the work, varnish and tone were all good.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Bruder von Charles Adolphe M. Schüler von Bloise Mast, ging 1834 nach
Paris zu Gand, 1844 zu Davis nach London und machte sich dort um 1850 selbstständig. Er galt als sehr tüchtiger Geigenmacher, zog sich aber wegen andauernder Kränklichkeit 1860 vom Geschäft zurück und zog wieder nach Frankreich zurück.
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Family
Charles Adophe Maucotel Brother