Jacques Charles Eve

History

Jacques Charles Eve (circa 1758-1790) was a luthier who worked in Paris, France. He established his workshop under the sign 'A La Fortune' at various addresses throughout his career. Around 1757, he was located on rue Dauphine, S. Germain. By approximately 1770, he had moved to rue Culture S. Catharine, and by 1780, he was working from rue Vieille-du-Temple. Lütgendorff notes that in 1758, he resided on Rue S. André des Arts, in 1770 on Rue Culture-Saint-Catharine, in 1783 on Rue Saint-Antoine, and in 1788 at Rue Ville-du-Temple No. 101. Initially, he referred to himself as 'Marchand Luthier' (merchant luthier), later simplifying his title to 'Luthier'.

Craft

• Early Work: According to John Dilworth, Eve's early work featured Staineresque modelling with a full arch and deep edge flute. These instruments had small soundholes and an elongated scroll. The varnish used was a red spirit varnish.
• Later Period: Dilworth observes that his later period showed some amelioration of the more extreme mannerisms, and he began using a paler golden yellow varnish.
• General Characteristics: Cecie Stainer describes his violins as appearing to be made on a German model, very arched, with small sound-holes and a red-brown varnish, resulting in a rather heavy overall effect. However, the work was carefully done. Lütgendorff notes that his early work was clumsy, with a high arch and deep fluting. The F-holes were reminiscent of Stainer, and the scroll was peculiar and elongated. The ribs were high and without flame, the lower ribs were made from one piece, and the two-piece back had a narrow flame. The varnish was red.
• Varnish: A violin described by Cecie Stainer featured a spirit varnish that was rather transparent.

Further Information

• Workshop Sign: His workshop was known by the sign 'A La Fortune'.
• Addresses and Dates:
  • Circa 1757: rue Dauphine, S. Germain.
  • 1758: Rue S. André des Arts.
  • Circa 1770: rue Culture S. Catharine.
  • 1770: Rue Culture-Saint-Catharine.
  • 1772: Rue Culture-Sainte Catharine.
  • 1780: rue Vieille-du-Temple.
  • 1783: Rue Saint-Antoine.
  • 1788: Rue Vieille-du-Temple / Rue Ville-du-Temple No. 101.
• Labels: One label found in a violin with spirit varnish read: "Eve, Me Luthier, rue Neuve-Ste-Catherine, au coin de celle de St-Louis proche la Place Rovale 'a la Fortune'". Another label from 1757 stated: "Eve. Md. Luthier, rue S. André des / Arts, près la rue Dauphine Faubg. S. Ger / main, à la Fortune, à Paris 1757." A label from 1772 read: "Eve, luthier, rue Culture-Sainte / Catharine, 1772 / A la Fortune". Another from 1788 stated: "Eve, luthier rue Vieille-du-Temple / A Paris 1788".

Summary

Jacques Charles Eve was a Parisian luthier active from approximately 1758 to 1790, operating under the sign 'A La Fortune' from various addresses including rue Dauphine, rue Culture S. Catharine, and rue Vieille-du-Temple. His early instruments were characterized by Staineresque modelling with a full arch, deep edge flute, small soundholes, and an elongated scroll, often finished with a red spirit varnish. Later work showed a refinement of these characteristics and a shift to a paler golden yellow varnish. His violins are noted for their arched German model appearance and careful craftsmanship.