Nicolas Augustin Chappuy

History

Nicolas Augustin Chappuy (circa 1730-1784) was born around 1730 in Mirecourt and died in 1784 in Paris, France, according to John Dilworth's The Brompton's Book of Violin & Bow Makers. He trained in Mirecourt and was active in Paris from approximately 1750. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff's Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart suggests he likely came from Mirecourt and settled in Paris around the mid-18th century, where he enjoyed a certain reputation. However, Lütgendorff also notes that Chappuy returned to Mirecourt after 1770. Cecie Stainer's A Dictionary of Violin Makers states he worked in Paris from about 1732 to 1776. Labels indicate his presence in Mirecourt as early as 1742 and as late as 1778, and in Paris in 1766 and 1780, suggesting a dynamic career with periods in both cities.

Craft

• Workmanship: Chappuy's output was prolific, exhibiting a wide range of qualities characteristic of both the Mirecourt and 'vieux Paris' schools, as noted by John Dilworth. Lütgendorff describes his work as very uneven and sometimes careless in wood selection. Stainer mentions his violins are generally on a large pattern with well-finished work.
• Archings and Scrolls: Instruments typically featured flat archings and large scrolls, with some scrolls being ornately carved.
• Materials: Materials were usually of a plainer sort, though good figured maple was occasionally used.
• Varnish: He often used a fairly hard yellow varnish prone to chipping, but other colors and qualities have been observed. Lütgendorff notes he mostly used a yellowish or brown spirit varnish, which appeared significantly darker in the center. Stainer also confirms he used spirit varnish, common among French makers of his time, and describes it as generally bad.
• Models: Lütgendorff states that Chappuy took the Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesù models as his inspiration, though he likely never saw an original instrument.
• Instrument Types: Besides violins, he is known for producing very fine viola d'amores, quintons, and pochettes.

Influence

• Training: Nicolas Augustin Chappuy received his training in Mirecourt.
• Schools: His work reflects characteristics of both the Mirecourt and 'vieux Paris' schools.

Legacy

• Patronage: He held the title of 'Luthier de S.A.R. la Duchesse de Montpensier', as indicated on some of his labels.
• Museum Collections: A violin by Chappuy, which was used for 37 years by Fr. Habeneck in his classes, is preserved in the Paris Conservatoire Collection.

Further Information

• Branding: Instruments are typically branded beneath the endpin or back button with 'N. Chappuy à Paris'.
• Labels: Various printed labels have been found, including: 'Augustinus Chappuy / fecit Parisiis anno 1766', 'N. A. Chappuis, Luthier/ de S.A.R. la Duchesse de / Montpensier', 'Augustinus Chappuy / Olim Parisis. Nunc Mirecurtio / fecit anno 1778', 'Augustin Chappuy / fait à Mirecourt, 1742', and 'Nicolas A. Chappuy Luthier / à Paris, 1780'. Stainer also mentions labels reading 'Chappuy a Paris'.

Summary

Nicolas Augustin Chappuy (circa 1730-1784) was a prolific French luthier trained in Mirecourt, active in Paris from around 1750, and known for his dynamic career spanning both cities. His work, characterized by flat archings and large scrolls, reflects both Mirecourt and 'vieux Paris' schools, often utilizing plainer materials and a distinctive yellow or brown spirit varnish. Chappuy produced violins, viola d'amores, quintons, and pochettes, drawing inspiration from Stradivari and Guarneri models. He held the title 'Luthier de S.A.R. la Duchesse de Montpensier' and has a violin preserved in the Paris Conservatoire Collection.