Jean Aldric

History

Sources contain conflicting information regarding Jean Aldric's working period and location. According to John Dilworth in The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers, Jean Aldric worked circa 1726-1730 in Mirecourt, France. However, other prominent sources, such as Willibald Leo Lütgendorff's Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart and Cecie Stainer's A Dictionary of Violin Makers, place his activity primarily in Paris from 1788 until after 1840. Stainer notes he worked in Paris from 1788-1840, while Lütgendorff states he settled in Paris around 1788 and died after 1843. He was a skilled representative of the French school, working after the Stradivari model. Jean Aldric was also particularly known as a dealer in Cremonese instruments, and according to George Hart in The Violin, he was one of the earliest French makers to deal with Luigi Tarisio, the famous Italian connoisseur. Lütgendorff further specifies that he was the first Parisian violin maker to establish contact with the collecting genius Tarisio. His business successor was his nephew, Aubry.

Craft

• Modeling: Jean Aldric's instruments were modelled after Cremonese originals, specifically the Stradivari pattern.
• Varnish: He generally used a red varnish of good quality, which Stainer describes as rich red. Lütgendorff notes that he mostly used red varnish, though sometimes it was too thick.
• Output: His output was small, as noted by John Dilworth.
• Tone: His instruments were known for their fine tone.
• Conversion Skill: He was particularly skilled at converting old violas into modern violins, and constructed altos from old Italian viols with great cleverness.
• Repairs: He carefully repaired old instruments.

Influence

• School: Jean Aldric was a skilled representative of the French school of violin making.
• Peer Comparison: Lütgendorff notes that his work sometimes approached the quality of Nicolas Lupot.

Legacy

• Museum Holdings: A violin made by Jean Aldric is preserved in the Museum of the Paris Conservatorium (No. 27).
• Succession: His nephew, Aubry, succeeded him in his business.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: Jean Aldric first resided at Rue des Arcis No. 16 in Paris. From the beginning of the 19th century, he moved to Rue de Seine St. Germain No. 71 ('pres celle de Bussy').
• Labels: He used both written and printed labels. An early violoncello of his is dated 1788. Another violoncello bore the label, "Fait par Aldric, luthier, rue des Arcis, 16, Paris, 1792."

Summary

Jean Aldric was a French luthier and dealer, active primarily in Paris from 1788 until after 1840, though some sources suggest an earlier period in Mirecourt. He was renowned for crafting instruments modelled after Cremonese originals, particularly Stradivari, using a distinctive red varnish and producing instruments with fine tone. He was also highly skilled in converting old violas into modern violins and was a significant dealer, notably being one of the first Parisian violin makers to engage with the famous connoisseur Luigi Tarisio. His nephew, Aubry, later succeeded him in his workshop.