Jacques Du Mesnil

A maker in Paris about 1655-60. A curious little violin is in the Paris Conservatoire Collection, with a MS. label dated 1655. The back and sides are of maple wood, the front of cedar, the purfling inlaid with silver and whalebone, and the head is carved into a woman's face. The varnish, a red-brown colour, is excellent, and all the details show a clever maker.