Menu

Nicolas Lupot

Nicolas Lupot is considered the greatest of the French violin makers, and is often called the French Stradivari. He learned the craft with his father François in Orléans, and moved to Paris in 1794, probably at the suggestion of François Pique. Lupot collaborated with Pique in his early years in Paris before opening his own workshop in the rue de Gramont in 1798. Eight years later he moved to the rue Croix des Petits Champs, his fortunes rising as his talent matured.

The influence of Stradivari was evident from the beginning of Lupot’s career, even before his move to Paris. The 1793 cello, with its red-orange varnish and black-chamfered scroll, is in stark contrast to the more traditional work of his father. Once in Paris, Lupot clearly benefited from the wealth of Stradivari instruments that were in the city at that time. The 1805 violin shows him copying Stradivari’s ‘Golden Period’ with inimitable refinement and taste, and applying his trademark rich and transparent orange-red varnish.

Notable among Lupot’s pupils are Charles François Gand, who married Lupot’s adopted daughter and thus inherited his workshop, and Auguste Sébastien Philippe Bernadel. Alongside Jean Baptiste Vuillaume, these two makers continued the work that their master had started, and Lupot’s influence remained strong in Paris throughout the 19th century.

Nicolas Lupot

(b Stuttgart, 1758; d Paris, 1824)

Nicolas Lupot is considered the greatest of the French violin makers, and is often called the French Stradivari. He learned the craft with his father François in Orléans, and moved to Paris in 1794, probably at the suggestion of François Pique. Lupot collaborated with Pique in his early years in Paris before opening his own workshop in the rue de Gramont in 1798. Eight years later he moved to the rue Croix des Petits Champs, his fortunes rising as his talent matured.

The influence of Stradivari was evident from the beginning of Lupot’s career, even before his move to Paris.... Read more

Instruments for sale in our Private Sales

A violin by Nicolas Lupot

Paris, 1813

Known for his tireless efforts to imitate the great Antonio Stradivari, Nicolas Lupot devoted less time striving to copy makers such as Guarneri and Amati, and only a few fine... read more

A violin by Nicolas Lupot

Paris, 1813

Known for his tireless efforts to imitate the great Antonio Stradivari, Nicolas Lupot devoted less time striving to copy makers such as Guarneri and Amati, and only a few fine examples are known. This particular violin is one of Lupot’s rare Amati models, made on the Cremonese master’s ‘Grand Pattern’. The exquisite choice of wood, the masterfully executed soundholes and the luminous golden varnish are a testament to Lupot’s profound understanding of Amati’s craft.

The three-dimensional sound enables a player to choose from a palette of colours and the clarity of tone makes for excellent projection in the hall.

Instruments we have sold by this maker

Articles

Paris’ Golden Period

13 October 2023 - Dilworth, John

John Dilworth examines two great 19th century Parisian violins by Nicolas Lupot and Auguste Sébastien Phillippe Bernardel

Part VI: The Decline and Renaissance of Italian Violin Making

26 April 2021 - Dilworth, John

The Evolution of Violin Making from 16th-20th Century Part VI

Looking to Buy or Sell an Instrument by this Maker?

Selling with Ingles & Hayday

We offer buyers and sellers a bespoke private sale service, sourcing exceptional instruments and bows and matching them with the most discerning buyers...

More Information

Buying at Ingles & Hayday

Tim Ingles and Paul Hayday will offer an initial evaluation of the authenticity and value of your instrument or bow to recommend an auction estimate and reserve price for your instrument or bow...

Enquire

Written Valuations & Certificates

Tim Ingles and Paul Hayday will offer an initial evaluation of the authenticity and value of your instrument or bow. At this stage, the assessment is free and without obligation. In the first instance, we suggest submitting good-quality images to us, preferably by email to info@ingleshayday.com or by completing the valuation form.

Read more

    Buying at Ingles & Hayday

    We hold two auctions a year at Sotheby’s in London, generally in March and October. We also have a selection of instruments and bows for private sale all year round. Please contact us for more information.

    Back to Notable Sales