Joseph Nicolas

History

Joseph Nicolas (1796-1864) was the son and pupil of Didier Nicolas, succeeding his father in 1816 and continuing his work with little perceptible differentiation, according to The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers by John Dilworth.

He was born in Mirecourt in 1796 and died in 1864, as noted by Cecie Stainer in A Dictionary of Violin Makers and George Hart in The Violin.

Joseph Nicolas was awarded a bronze medal in 1834.

After his death, his widow sold the business and all stock-in-trade, including the instrument stamps, to the maker Derazey of Mirecourt, which led to new instruments appearing with Nicolas's name but not made by him, as detailed by Stainer and Dilworth.

Craft

• Branding: His instruments are branded "J. Nicolas fils".
• Workmanship: He continued his father's work with little perceptible differentiation.
• Characteristics: His violins are usually lightly varnished and are considered good orchestral instruments due to their powerful tone, according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart.
• Notable Instruments: A fine cello by Joseph Nicolas is preserved in the museum of Hamburg.
• Unusual Creations: In 1855, he constructed a violin that could be played on both back and front, featuring two finger-boards and two bridges, though its utility was not obvious, as described by Cecie Stainer.

Influence

• Mentorship: Joseph Nicolas was the son and pupil of Didier Nicolas.
• Succession: He succeeded his father in 1816.
• Artistic Goal: He strived to emulate his father, as noted by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Legacy

• Awards: Joseph Nicolas was awarded a bronze medal in 1834.
• Posthumous Business: After his death, his widow sold the business and instrument stamps to Derazey of Mirecourt, leading to instruments being stamped with the Nicolas name but not made by him, as documented by Cecie Stainer.
• Museum Presence: A fine cello crafted by Joseph Nicolas is housed in the museum of Hamburg.

Further Information

• Branding Mark: Instruments are branded "J. Nicolas fils".
• Associated Label: The triangular label 'A la Ville de Cremonne', originally used by his father Didier Nicolas, was later purchased and continued by J. Derazy after Joseph's death.
• Varnish and Tone: His violins are typically lightly varnished and are valued for their powerful tone, making them good orchestral instruments.

Summary

Joseph Nicolas (1796-1864) was a French luthier, the son and pupil of Didier Nicolas, whom he succeeded in 1816. He continued his father's style with little differentiation, producing instruments branded "J. Nicolas fils" that were known for their powerful tone and light varnish. He received a bronze medal in 1834 and notably crafted a double-sided violin in 1855. After his death, his workshop and branding stamps were sold to Derazey, leading to instruments bearing the Nicolas name but not made by him.