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Nicolas Léonard Tourte ‘l’Ainé’

The elder brother of the celebrated François Xavier Tourte, Nicolas Léonard was born in Paris in 1746. It is thought that he began making bows with his father Nicolas Pierre a little before François, who is considered the father of the modern bow. Nicolas’ bows are generally on the Cramer model, but some later work is identified as ‘Viotti’ style. His bows are branded ‘Tourte L’. After his death in about 1807, his work was continued by his son Charles.

Nicolas Léonard Tourte ‘l’Ainé’

(fl Paris, c1765-c1805)

The elder brother of the celebrated François Xavier Tourte, Nicolas Léonard was born in Paris in 1746. It is thought that he began making bows with his father Nicolas Pierre a little before François, who is considered the father of the modern bow. Nicolas’ bows are generally on the Cramer model, but some later work is identified as ‘Viotti’ style. His bows are branded ‘Tourte L’. After his death in about 1807, his work was continued by his son Charles.

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