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Mirecourt School

Etienne Pajeot

Mirecourt, 1791–1849

Etienne Pajeot (1791-1849) was a highly influential French bow maker from Mirecourt, son and pupil of Louis Simon Pajeot. He developed a distinctive bow style from around 1820, characterized by broader heads and higher frogs, and his workshop operated on a commercial scale, producing an estimated 8000 dozen bows. His work, known for its elegant tapering heads and innovative frog mechanisms, is considered among the finest of all French bow makers, despite his never having left Mirecourt or being directly influenced by Parisian makers.

Worked Mirecourt
Made Cello Bow, Viola Bow, Violin Bow
Taught by Louis Simon Pajeot
Family Son of Louis Simon Pajeot

Auction price history

Highest auction price

£5,280
Type Details Sold Price
Violin Bow N/E 60 g. [Workshop] March 2010 £4,080
Violin Bow 50.5 g. Exotic wood, no hair or winding [Workshop of] June 2009 £290
Viola Bow 59 g. Ironwood, without hair [Workshop of] June 2009 £467
Viola Bow 57 g. without hair or winding December 2008 £717
Viola Bow N/E 60 g. Amourette wood [Workshop] June 2008 £4,642
Violin Bow 46 g. without hair or lapping [Workshop] June 2008 £3,528
Violin Bow 54 g. Iron wood, without hair [Workshop] December 2007 £2,383
Violin Bow 50 g. without hair or winding [Workshop] December 2007 £443
Cello Bow N/E 69.0 g. with no hair (frog & button not original) May 2007 £693
Violin Bow Ebony 57.5 g. Open trench frog & Ivory button, no hair February 2007 £1,233
Viola Bow N/E 59 g. Ironwood, no hair or winding [Workshop] December 2006 £1,838
Violin Bow N/E 61 g. Paris, 1850 c. July 2006 £3,840
Violin Bow N/E 60 g. Paris, mid-19th C. February 2006 £1,200
Violin Bow I&T 61 g. Paris, mid-19th C. February 2006 £4,200
Viola Bow S/Abalone 71.5 g. November 2005 £3,000
Violin Bow S/E 62 g. October 1984 £5,280
Violin Bow S/I 62 g. October 1982 £1,941
Violin Bow S/E 57 g. February 1982 £892
Violin Bow S/E 57 g. January 1981 £1,956
Cello Bow S/E 71 g. November 1980 £2,200
Viola Bow S/E 69 g. May 1980 £1,320

Maker Overview

Life

Etienne Pajeot (1791-1849) was born in 1791 and died in 1849 in Mirecourt, France. He was an important and extremely influential bow maker, the son and pupil of Louis Simon Pajeot. He first branded bows from around 1815 in his father's style, featuring pointed heads and low frogs. His own distinct style developed from around 1820, showing broader heads and higher frogs, with his best period noted around 1840. His workshop operated on quite a commercial scale, with N. R. Maire as his closest aide, and J. Fonclause, N. Mauchard, and N. Maline among those involved in production. Pajeot also contributed to N. Vuillaume's 'Stentor' brand. His work is considered among the finest of all French bow makers, though it is noted that he never left Mirecourt and never came directly under the influence of Paris bow makers. He exhibited in Mirecourt in 1819., he was a very talented bow maker who produced approximately 8000 dozen bows during his lifetime. He worked extensively for the Lafleur business, and the bows he made for his own account bore his name, which he consistently wrote as Pajeot, as a brand mark.

Characteristics

Style Evolution
His early branded bows from around 1815 were in his father's style, featuring pointed heads and low frogs.
Developed Style
From around 1820, his own style developed, showing broader heads and higher frogs.
Distinctive Head
He created a distinctively elegant tapering head.
Frog Characteristics
The frog was low and long with a deep throat and an extended ferrule.
Frog Furnishing
A silver plate was present on the front face of the frog beneath the stick.
Furnishing Grades
Various grades of furnishing were employed.
Wood Type
Sticks were made of Pernambuco wood, generally round and dark coloured.
Innovations
He introduced many innovations in the frog and mechanisms.

Influence and legacy

  • Mentorship: He was the son and pupil of Louis Simon Pajeot.
  • Collaborators: N. R. Maire was his closest aide, and J. Fonclause, N. Mauchard, and N. Maline were involved in his workshop's production.
  • Brand Contribution: He contributed to N. Vuillaume's 'Stentor' brand.
  • Geographical Influence: It is noted that he never left Mirecourt and never came directly under the influence of Paris bow makers.
  • Reputation: His work is considered amongst the finest of all French bow makers.
  • Influence: He was an important and extremely influential bow maker.
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Biographies

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

John Dilworth+

PAJEOT, Etienne Born 1791, died 1849 Mirecourt France. Important and extremely influential bow maker. Son and pupil of Louis Simon Pajeot, below. First branded bows from c.1815 in his father’s style with pointed heads and low frogs. His own style developed from c.1820, showing broader heads and higher frogs. Best period around 1840. Workshop operated on quite a commercial scale: N. R. Maire his closest aide; J. Fonclause, N. Mauchard, and N. Maline amongst those involved in the production. Contributed to N. Vuillaume’s ‘Stentor’ brand. His work is amongst the finest of all French bow makers, but it is noted that he never left Mirecourt and never came directly under the influence of Paris bow makers. Distinctively elegant tapering head, frog low and long with deep throat and extended ferrule, and silver plate on front face of frog beneath the stick. Various grades of furnishing. Pernambuco wood sticks, generally round and dark coloured. Many innovations in the frog and mechanisms. Exhibited in Mirecourt 1819. Branded: PAJEOT. [Millant/Raffin]

Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+

Ein sehr talentvoller Bogenmacher, der in seinem Leben etwa 8000 Dutzend
Bögen gemacht hat. Er arbeitete viel für das Geschäft von Lafleur; die Bögen,
die er für eigene Rechnung gemacht hat tragen seinen Namen, den er übrigens
stets Pajeot schrieb, als Brandmarke.

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