Gustave Adolphe Bernardel
Nancy, Paris, 1832–1904
Gustave Adolphe Bernardel (1832-1904) was a prominent Parisian luthier, the younger son and student of Sebastien Philippe Bernardel. He joined his father's business around 1849 and, in 1866, became a partner with his brother Ernest and Eugène Gand, forming "Gand & Bernardel." After his partners' departures, he became the sole proprietor in 1892, operating as "Gustave Bernardel, seul successeur de Gand & Bernardel." He was known for building excellent string instruments, including a successful reconstruction of the Viola di Gamba, and exclusively used oil varnish. Bernardel was officially appointed maker to the Conservatoire and other prestigious institutions, receiving the Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 1900. He retired in 1901, passing the illustrious business, which traced its lineage to Lupot, to Albert Caressa and Henri Français.
Auction Price History
Highest auction price
95 results
| Type | Details | Auction house | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bearing the maker's label n. 207 and brands, good condition Lot 353 | — | December 2025 | £12,406est. € 8.000-10.000 | |
| Violin | Bearing the maker's label n. 1943 and brands to the table and back, good condition Lot 315 | Laurent | December 2024 | £10,355est. € 8.000-10.000 |
| Violin | Labelled Gustave Bernardel luthier du Conservatoire de Musique N° 1796 Paris 1897, branded Lot 167 | Ingles & H. | October 2024 | £12,000est. £ 10,000-15,000 |
| Violin | Bearing the maker's label n. 1722 and brands Lot 205 | Laurent | November 2023 | £10,812est. € 8.000-10.000 |
| Violin | Labelled Gustave Bernardel Luthier du Conservatoire de Musique No. 291 Paris 1900, branded Lot 167 | Tarisio | November 2023 | £8,567est. $ 12,000-18,000 |
| Bearing the maker's label n. 1830 and brands, fair condition Lot 307 | — | June 2023 | £12,289est. € 12.000-15.000 | |
| Labelled Exposition Universelle à Paris 1900. Hors Concours ..., blocks doweled for a tropical climate Lot 27 | — | March 2023 | £16,800est. £ 12,000-18,000 | |
| Decorated on the ribs Premier prix décerné par le Conservatoire National de Musique Jacques ... Lot 186 | — | November 2022 | £28,800est. £ 15,000-20,000 | |
| One-piece back, varnish of an orange red colour on a golden ground, in good and playing condition Lot 4 | — | March 2022 | £17,807est. € 18.000-20.000 | |
| Labelled Gustave Bernardel Luthier du Conservatoire de Musique No. 1794 Paris 1897, branded Lot 114 | — | July 2021 | £17,952est. $ 8,000-12,000 | |
| Labelled Gustave Bernardel Luthier du Conservatoire de Musique No. 200 Paris 1894, branded Lot 134 | — | June 2021 | £15,600est. £ 15,000-20,000 | |
| Labelled Gustave Bernardel, Luthier du Conservatoire de Musique, No. 1616 Paris 1893, and à Jean ... Lot 150 | — | June 2021 | £16,800est. £ 10,000-15,000 | |
| Bearing the maker's label and brands, minor table cracks Lot 310 | — | June 2021 | £17,102est. € 12.000-15.000 | |
| Bearing the maker's label n. 1779 and brands, good condition Lot 58 | — | December 2020 | £12,880est. € 10.000-12.000 | |
| Labelled Gustave Bernardel, Luthier du Conservatoire de Musique, No. 1755, Paris 1896, good condition Lot 91 | — | March 2020 | £10,200est. £ 7,000-10,000 | |
| Labelled Gustave Bernardel Luthier du Conservatoire de Musique N° 1852 Paris 1898 Lot 103 | — | October 2019 | £19,800est. £ 18,000-25,000 | |
| Bearing the maker's label n. 1869 and brands, table restored crack Lot 11 | — | June 2019 | £15,942est. € 8.000-10.000 | |
| Bearing the maker's label n. 1783 and brands, good condition Lot 360 | — | June 2019 | £13,817est. € 10.000-12.000 | |
| Bearing the maker's label n. 1903 and brands, iscribed Rouen 1916 camp du Rurard, good condition Lot 363 | — | June 2019 | £10,628est. € 7.000-8.000 | |
| Labelled Gustave Bernardel, Luthier du Conservatoire de Musique, N° 198 Paris 1894 Lot 172 | — | March 2019 | £9,600est. £ 10,000-15,000 | |
| Bernard Millant collection, labelled Fait pour l'exposition universelle de Bruxelles, good condition Lot 70 | — | November 2017 | £42,240est. € 40.000-50.000 | |
| Labelled Gustave Bernardel luthier du Conservatoire de Musique No 213 Paris 1901 Lot 148 | — | October 2017 | £16,800est. £ 15,000-20,000 | |
| Decorated ribs with guilt lettering Premiere Prix ..., f hole crack, almost perfect state of preservation Lot 177 | — | March 2017 | £12,000est. £ 10,000-15,000 | |
| Labelled Gustave Bernardel, luthier du conservatoire de musique, no 1744 Paris 1896 Lot 167 | — | June 2016 | £11,400est. £ 8,000-12,000 | |
| Bearing the maker's label n. 1593 and brands internally, table crack Lot 68 | — | December 2015 | £8,519est. € 5.000-7.000 | |
| Labelled Gustave Bernardel / Luthier du Conservatoire de Musique / N. ... Paris ..., extensive restorations Lot 115 | — | November 2015 | £4,252est. $ 5,000-7,000 | |
| Bearing the maker's label n° 1774 and brands, good condition Lot 268 | — | June 2014 | £13,546est. € 12.000-15.000 | |
| Bearing the maker's label n° 1583, branded Gand et Bernardel, good condition Lot 360 | — | June 2014 | £14,030est. € 12.000-15.000 | |
| Labelled Exposition Universelle Paris 1900 Hors Concours, Gustave Bernardel, Luthier du ... Lot 153 | — | May 2014 | £3,600est. £ 3,000-5,000 | |
| Made for the 1st prix M.lle Marie Linder, ribs decorations, minor table restorations Lot 125 | — | December 2012 | £10,732est. € 6.000-8.000 | |
| Violin | Labelled Gustave Bernardel, No. 1603, Paris, 1892 Lot 148 | Tarisio | March 2012 | £13,200est. £ 10,000-15,000 |
| Cello Bow | Silver mounted, round stick stamped Gustave Bernardel Paris Lot 29 | Brompton’s | March 2012 | £1,440est. £ 1,000-1,500 |
| Cello | 76 cm Paris, 1893 | — | November 2011 | £6,648 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1899 | — | October 2010 | £8,262 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1895 | — | April 2010 | £12,570 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm France, 1890 c. Workshop of | — | April 2009 | £1,863 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1895 | — | March 2009 | £8,190 |
| Violin | 1892 | — | November 2008 | £7,575 |
| Bass | 108.4 cm 1860 c. Attributed to | — | November 2008 | £8,400 |
| Violin | 35.9 cm Paris, 1897 #1804 | — | June 2008 | £9,284 |
| Cello | 76.4 cm Paris, 1895, decoratively painted front & back | — | March 2008 | £2,470 |
| Violin | 35.8 cm Paris, 1893, #1819 | — | December 2007 | £5,956 |
| Viola | 41.3 cm Paris, 1899 | — | October 2007 | £10,000 |
| Violin | Paris, 1897 #1797 | — | December 2005 | £4,789 |
| Violin | Nancy, 1933 | — | December 2005 | £1,277 |
| Violin | Nancy, 1937 | — | December 2005 | £718 |
| Violin | Paris, 1898 #1839 | — | November 2005 | £6,711 |
| Violin | Paris, 1897 #1796 | — | November 2005 | £5,921 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 63 g. | — | November 2005 | £3,316 |
| Violin | Paris, 1900 | — | June 2005 | £5,876 |
| Violin | Paris, 1899 | — | May 2005 | £7,800 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 55.1 g. no hair | — | May 2005 | £3,600 |
| Violin Bow | S/E | — | May 2005 | £121 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 78.5 g. Possibly by "C. Thomassin" | — | May 2005 | £2,747 |
| Violin | Paris, 1895 #1735 | — | December 2004 | £10,581 |
| Violin | Paris, 1901 | — | October 2004 | £6,640 |
| Cello | — | July 2004 | £8,365 | |
| Violin Bow | S/E | — | April 2004 | £2,154 |
| Violin | Paris | — | March 2004 | £10,755 |
| Violin | 1892 | — | July 2003 | £7,800 |
| Violin | 1894 | — | June 2001 | £11,500 |
| Viola | 41.3 cm 1896 | — | May 2000 | £7,630 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 76 g. | — | November 1999 | £1,065 |
| Cello | 1892 | — | May 1999 | £12,664 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 77 g. | — | May 1998 | £897 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 73 g. | — | February 1998 | £1,732 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 74 g. | — | June 1997 | £391 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 60 g. | — | November 1996 | £2,230 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 55 g. | — | November 1996 | £920 |
| Cello | 1865 | — | June 1996 | £16,100 |
| Violin | 1900 | — | November 1994 | £11,270 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 79 g. | — | June 1994 | £4,600 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 58 g. | — | March 1994 | £2,300 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 59 g. | — | October 1993 | £1,035 |
| Violin | 1880-99 | — | May 1993 | £9,533 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 56 g. | — | May 1993 | £1,393 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 57 g. | — | September 1992 | £616 |
| Viola | 40.8 cm 1900 | — | June 1992 | £3,960 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 56 g. | — | June 1992 | £1,430 |
| Violin | 1893 | — | March 1992 | £10,450 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 74 g. | — | November 1991 | £605 |
| Violin | 1897 | — | November 1991 | £9,900 |
| Violin | 1895 | — | November 1991 | £6,600 |
| Cello | 1880 | — | July 1991 | £17,600 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 62 g. | — | September 1990 | £506 |
| Violin | 1897 | — | June 1990 | £8,800 |
| Violin Bow | S/E 63 g. | — | March 1990 | £1,430 |
| Violin | 1850-75 | — | March 1989 | £7,700 |
| Viola | 40.8 cm 1900 | — | May 1986 | £4,620 |
| Cello Bow | S/E 75 g. | — | July 1985 | £990 |
| Violin | 1893 | — | July 1985 | £3,740 |
| Violin | 1901 | — | June 1985 | £6,822 |
| Violin | 1896 | — | June 1984 | £3,849 |
| Violin | 1901 | — | March 1981 | £3,313 |
| Violin | 1900 | — | May 1980 | £2,200 |
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Maker Overview
Life
Gustave Adolphe Bernardel (1832-1904) was born on April 26, 1832, in Paris, France, and passed away in 1904. He was the younger son of Sebastien Philippe Bernardel. Gustave Adolphe Bernardel joined his father's business around 1849, becoming a partner by 1860. In 1866, he succeeded to the business with his brother, Ernest Auguste Bernardel, and Eugène Gand, forming the firm known as "Gand et Bernardel Freres" or "Gand & Bernardel.", born April 2, 1826, retired from the business in 1886 and died in 1899. Eugène Gand subsequently left the partnership in 1892, at which point Gustave Adolphe Bernardel became the sole proprietor of the renowned establishment, which then operated under the name "Gustave Bernardel, seul successeur de Gand & Bernardel." Gustave Adolphe Bernardel retired on July 1, 1901, and the business was then passed to Albert Caressa and Henri Français. The shop, which traced its origins back to Lupot, remained one of the most illustrious in Parisian violin making, continuing as "Caressa & Français" and later "Français" into the late 20th century. While new instrument production gradually diminished in importance, the establishment maintained first-class standards in the production of all instruments and bows, also serving as a center for expertise and restorations.
Characteristics
- Standards
- The production of all instruments and bows consistently maintained first-class standards.
- Instrument Production
- Gustave Adolphe Bernardel built excellent string instruments and made all string instruments with the exception of the harp.
- Innovation
- He attempted a successful reconstruction of the Viola di Gamba.
- Varnish
- He exclusively used oil varnish for his instruments.
- Gustave Bernardel
Luthier du Conservatoire de musique
No.. Paris. 1891John Dilworth - Gustave Bernardel
à Paris. 1896John Dilworth - No. 1751John Dilworth
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: Gustave Adolphe Bernardel was a student of his father, Sebastien Philippe Bernardel.
- Tradition: He followed the traditions established by Lupot, the original founder of the business.
- Official Appointments: Gustave Adolphe Bernardel was officially appointed as maker to the Conservatoire, to the opera orchestras, and to the Ministry of Fine Arts.
- Honors: He was made a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 1900.
- Business Continuity: Upon his retirement in 1901, the business was successfully transferred to Albert Caressa and Henri Français, continuing its legacy as "Caressa & Français" and later "Français."
Further Information
- Labels: Examples of his labels include "Gustave Bernardel / Luthier du Conservatoire de musique / No.. Paris. 1891" and "Gustave Bernardel / à Paris. 1896. No. 1751."
- Successors: Albert Caressa and Henri Français became his successors on July 1, 1901.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
BERNARDEL, Gustave Adolphe Born 1832, died 1904 Paris France. Younger son of Bernardel Père, above. Joined his father in about 1849, succeeded to the business with his brother and Eugène Gand in 1866. When Ernest retired the shop became Gand et Bernardel, Gand leaving in 1892, and Gustave himself retired in 1901. The business then passed to Caressa and Français. The shop is one of the most illustrious in Parisian violin making, and continued as ‘Caressa & Français’ and latterly ‘Français’ in the late 20th century. A centre of expertise and restorations, new work gradually diminished in importance to the business, but standards never slipped below first class in the production of all instruments and bows. Gustave became officially appointed maker to the Conservatoire, to the opera orchestras, and to the Ministry of Fine Arts, and was made Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 1900. Gustave Bernardel / Luthier du Conservatoire de musique / No.. Paris. 1891 Gustave Bernardel / à Paris. 1896. No. 1751
Cecie Stainer+
Ernst Auguste and Gustave Adolphe, sons of Sebastien Philippe ; the former b. April 2, 1826, retired from the business in 1886; d. 1899; the latter b. April 26, 1832. When their father retired, in 1866, they continued the business in partnership with Eugene Gand, as “ Gand et Bernardel Freres.” M. Gustave Bernardel is now head of the firm.
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Schüler seines Vaters Seb. Phil. B. Vielleicht der beste unter den jetzt
lebenden französischen Geigenmachern. Seit 1860 Theilhaber der Firma seines
Vaters, er verband sich 1866 mit Eug. Gand, mit dem er 26 Jahre in treuer
Freundschaft die Firma Gand & Bernardel theilte. Seit 1892 ist Gustave B.
alleiniger Inhaber des weltberühmten Geschäftes, das nun die Firma »Gustave
Bernardel, seul successeur de Gand & Bernadel« trägt. Begründer des Geschäfts
war bekanntlich Lupot; seine Nachfolger waren Gand, Gand frères,
Gand & Bernardel und jetzt Gustave B. Er befolgt die Traditionen Lupot’s und
baut treffliche Streichinstrumente und versuchte eine gelungene Reconstruction
der Viola di Gamba, er macht alle Saiteninstrumente,
die Harfe ausgenommen, und verwendete
nur Öllack. Seit 1. Juli 1901 sind
Albert Caressa und Henri Français seine Nachfolger.
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