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Hippolyte Silvestre

Born in 1808 in Sommervillier, Silvestre trained with Blaise in Mirecourt, and worked for J. B. Vuillaume in Paris, before joining with his brother Pierre in Lyons, working as ‘Silvestre Frères’. He retired to his birthplace in 1848, but following Pierre’s death in 1859, returned to run the Lyons shop until 1865, when he passed it to his nephew Hippolyte Chrétian. He retired again to Sommervillier where he died in 1879. Known mostly as a connoisseur and dealer, his individual labelled work is relatively rare.

Hippolyte Silvestre

(b St. Nicolas-de-Port, 1808; d Sommervillers, 1879)

Born in 1808 in Sommervillier, Silvestre trained with Blaise in Mirecourt, and worked for J. B. Vuillaume in Paris, before joining with his brother Pierre in Lyons, working as ‘Silvestre Frères’. He retired to his birthplace in 1848, but following Pierre’s death in 1859, returned to run the Lyons shop until 1865, when he passed it to his nephew Hippolyte Chrétian. He retired again to Sommervillier where he died in 1879. Known mostly as a connoisseur and dealer, his individual labelled work is relatively rare.

Instruments for sale in our Private Sales

A violin by Pierre & Hippolyte Silvestre

Lyon, 1841

Pierre Silvestre began his violin-making training in Mirecourt before moving to Paris, where he worked with the renowned makers Nicolas Lupot and Gand père. In 1829, he established his own... read more

A violin by Pierre & Hippolyte Silvestre

Lyon, 1841

Pierre Silvestre began his violin-making training in Mirecourt before moving to Paris, where he worked with the renowned makers Nicolas Lupot and Gand père. In 1829, he established his own workshop in Lyon. His younger brother, Hippolyte, joined him in 1831 after gaining experience in Paris with J. B. Vuillaume.

The brothers subsequently worked together, creating instruments inspired by the great classical Italian models. Their violins are regarded among the finest made in 19th-century France, combining refined craftsmanship with strong tonal character.

This violin follows the Stradivari model and represents an exceptional example of the brothers’ work. It features a rich, dark-red varnish with subtle antiquing. The sound is focused and powerful, while a broad range of overtones adds warmth, depth, and considerable tonal complexity.

Instruments we have sold by this maker

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