Bow Type: Violin
Year: 1860
Price: Upon Request
Maker: Francois Nicolas Voirin
Description: (1833 – 1885). After his initial training and early work in Mirecourt, François Nicolas Voirin moved to Paris in 1855 to join his cousin Jean Baptiste Vuillaume. His work in the Vuillaume workshop gave him access to distinguished bow makers of the Peccatte school, but Voirin was inspired largely by the work of Pierre Simon and of Vuillaume himself. Most of the firm's "picture" bows of this period, which feature an eye with a tiny lens microfilm of Vuillaume, are by Voirin.
In 1870 Voirin set up his own workshop and gradually his model began to change. Frogs continue to be in the style of Vuillaume, but heads are increasingly thin and refined for the rest of his career, which is an unusual transition for a bowmaker. In fact, Voirin's stylistic evolution is a fitting narrative for the prevailing transition between the square and powerful Peccatte school and more delicate Vuillaume school in the latter half of the 19th century.
In 1872 he hired Louis Thomassin to assist him and Joseph Lamy 'père' joined the shop four years later. Both worked alongside Voirin until his death in 1885. His bows, which he declined to sell to other firms with the exception of a few to Chanot, are stamped, "F.N. Voirin à Paris." They are among the best and most important in the history of the trade.
This gorgeous bow was made by Voirin while working at the J.B. Vuillaume shop in Paris. The stick is wonderfully mounted in blond tortoiseshell and gold and represents a premiere bow by this maker. This bow is certified by Isaac Salchow on NY, NY. Weight: 56.5 grams with a whalebone wrap.
Terms: This fine bow has been hand selected for addition to our catalog and is available for examination and trial. If you wish to inquire further about this bow, please contact us using the green button at the top of this listing or call 1-818-762-1374 during business hours.