Francois Breton

Life

Francois Breton (circa 1778-1830) worked in Mirecourt, France, during the period of approximately 1778 to 1830. He held the esteemed position of Luthier to the Duchesse d'Angoulême and was known as a very prolific maker, whose work was much imitated in The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers.

Characteristics

Workmanship

His own style, was quite refined, generally a little over-sized, with a flat arch and clear yellow varnish, though it sometimes showed a lack of attention in the details and utilized materials of variable quality. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that his work, while not artistic, was always quite clean, and he preferred a large model, often using light yellow varnish.

Production

Breton also produced good cellos and bows. Due to employing many workers, his violins are not rare.

Influence and legacy

• Imitation and Factory Production: Thousands of factory-made instruments were produced in his style after his death. His firm transitioned into a Mirecourt factory that continues to insert his labels into new instruments. He was also a much-imitated maker, with Lütgendorff comparing his situation to that of the German Hopf family, whose work, despite being considered of craftsman-like mediocrity, is continually taken as a model by an uncritical public.

Further Information

• Branding: Instruments were branded on the back button and occasionally inscribed within the pegbox with "F. BRETON".
• Labels: Printed labels included "F Breton, Musicarius / Mitecurti, anno 1805" and "F Breton breveté Luthier de S.A.R. / Mme. la Duchesse d'Angoulême / à Mirecourt, 1816 BRETON BREVETÉ / DE SAR ME".