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Pierre Silvestre

Born in Sommerviller in 1801, Pierre Silvestre was apprenticed to Blaise in Mirecourt before working for Nicolas Lupot and Charles François Gand (‘Gand père’) in Paris. He established his own shop in Lyon in 1829, where he was joined by his brother Hippolyte in 1831, the company becoming ‘Silvestre Frères’. Hippolyte returned to Sommerviller in 1848, but following Pierre’s death in 1859, resumed his place in the Lyon shop. In 1865 he passed it on to his cousin Hippolyte Chrétien and retired to Sommerviller where he died in 1879. Pierre was the dominant craftsman in the partnership, and produced fine copies of classical instruments in the Vuillaume style, some with carved figurative heads.

Pierre Silvestre

(b Sommervillers, 1801; d Lyon, 1859)

Born in Sommerviller in 1801, Pierre Silvestre was apprenticed to Blaise in Mirecourt before working for Nicolas Lupot and Charles François Gand (‘Gand père’) in Paris. He established his own shop in Lyon in 1829, where he was joined by his brother Hippolyte in 1831, the company becoming ‘Silvestre Frères’. Hippolyte returned to Sommerviller in 1848, but following Pierre’s death in 1859, resumed his place in the Lyon shop. In 1865 he passed it on to his cousin Hippolyte Chrétien and retired to Sommerviller where he died in 1879. Pierre was the dominant craftsman in the partnership, and produced fine... Read more

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.

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