Jacques Boquay

History

Jacques Boquay (d. 1730) was born in Lyons and died in 1730 in Paris, France. He was an important member of the 'Vieux Paris' school, alongside his contemporary Claude Pierray. He worked in Paris from about 1705 to 1735, residing at rue de la Juiverie in 1718 before moving to rue d'Argenteuil in 1719. The inventory of his workshop at his death revealed a large stock of instruments and materials, indicative of a significant commercial enterprise. Sources contain conflicting information regarding the quality of his output; while some suggest he made too many instruments to finish them with care, resulting in a generally poor tone due to badly calculated thicknesses, others describe his violins as good and his violoncellos as handsome instruments with a fine tone.

Craft

• Models: Jacques Boquay's output included small and 'Grand' Amati model violins.
• Archings: His instruments featured well-sculpted high arching.
• Outline: A noticeable quirk of his technique was an abrupt change from the outward curve of the lower bouts to the inward curve of the corner, creating a distinct 'hip' in the outline.
• Varnish: The varnish on his instruments is described as very transparent, appearing red-brown or sometimes yellow in color.
• Workshop Inventory: At his death, his workshop inventory included 18 violins, some unvarnished, made by his apprentice Treuillot, along with many violins, cellos, vieilles, and scores of bows.
• Specific Instruments: An alto dated 1709 is known, as is a violin dated 1718 in the Paris Conservatoire collection. A violoncello dated 1719 and a violin dated 1730 are also documented.

Influence

• School: Jacques Boquay was an important member of the 'Vieux Paris' school.
• Contemporaries: He worked alongside his contemporary Claude Pierray, and it is presumed by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff that he was a fellow student of Pierray.

Legacy

• Collections: A violin dated 1718 made by Boquay is part of the Paris Conservatoire collection, and was notably used by Baillot for teaching.

Further Information

• Working Period: Jacques Boquay worked in Paris from approximately 1705 to 1735.
• Addresses: He was living at rue de la Juiverie in 1718 and moved to rue d'Argenteuil in 1719.
• Workshop Scale: The inventory of his workshop at his death in 1730 indicated a large commercial enterprise, including a substantial stock of instruments and materials.

Summary

Jacques Boquay (d. 1730) was a significant luthier of the 'Vieux Paris' school, born in Lyons and active in Paris from around 1705. He is noted for his Amati model violins and cellos, characterized by high arching and a distinctive 'hip' in the outline. His workshop inventory at his death revealed a substantial commercial operation, including instruments made by his apprentice Treuillot. While some sources praise his violoncellos for their fine tone, others suggest his violins could suffer from poor tone due to inconsistent craftsmanship.