Louis Socquet

History

Louis SOCQUET (circa. 1750-1780) was born in Mirecourt and established himself in Paris, working from approximately 1750 to 1780. He operated at the sign 'Au Genie de l’Harmonie' (also rendered as 'Au Génie de l'Harmonie'), located at the Place du Vieux Louvre. He served as luthier to the orchestra of the Académie Royale de Musique. According to Cecie Stainer, he was living in the Place du Louvre between 1775 and 1779. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also notes his residence at Place du Louvre from 1775 to 1779.

Craft

• Workmanship: Sources describe Louis SOCQUET's work as inconsistent. John Dilworth notes that his early period instruments were in the vieux Paris style, Amatisé in form with a medium arch and good golden-brown varnish. However, later work from about 1770 is described as commercial, likely originating from Mirecourt, lacking individuality and care, and made with plain materials and dark meagre varnish. Cecie Stainer states his instruments are not well made. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff characterizes him as a "second-rate violin maker" who worked in a factory-like manner, though not uncleanly, and mentions a derogatory saying in Mirecourt, "Das ist eine Socquet," for ordinary violins. In contrast, Henri Poidras describes his work as "Nice make, old Paris type." Lütgendorff also notes that his older works are preferable, suggesting a decline in craftsmanship later in his career, which led to speculation about the existence of two different makers named Socquet, though no proof exists for this theory.
• Varnish: There are conflicting descriptions of his varnish. John Dilworth mentions "good golden-brown varnish" for early pieces and "dark meagre varnish" for later ones. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff describes his varnish as "dirty yellow," while Henri Poidras notes "Yellow varnish, slightly darkened."
• Instruments: He provided violins, violas, small cellos, and viols of various forms. Known examples include a violin and a five-stringed viol dated 1755, and an alto of 1769. His violoncellos are noted to have a small pattern.
• Branding: Instruments were branded on the back button.
• Labels: Printed labels include "Fait par Socquet / à Paris en 1750" and "Socquet / Au Génie de l’Harmonie / Place du Vieux Louvre, à Paris, 1771." Other labels are known from 1765 and 1771.

Further Information

• Workshop Sign: His workshop was identified by the sign 'Au Genie de l’Harmonie' (or 'Au Génie de l'Harmonie').
• Workshop Location: He worked at the Place du Vieux Louvre and was noted to be living at the Place du Louvre between 1775 and 1779.

Summary

Louis SOCQUET was a luthier active in Paris from approximately 1750 to 1780, originally from Mirecourt. He operated under the sign 'Au Genie de l’Harmonie' at the Place du Vieux Louvre and served as luthier to the Académie Royale de Musique. His work quality is described as inconsistent, with early instruments showing better craftsmanship in the vieux Paris style, while later pieces were often commercial and less refined. He produced violins, violas, small cellos, and viols, branding his instruments on the back button. Descriptions of his varnish color vary among sources.