Jean Baptiste Henry

History

Jean Baptiste Henry (1757-1831) learned violin making in Mirecourt, then moved to Paris at a young age. He established his business in a house belonging to the St. Martin Monastery until 1788, a connection that provided him with exemptions from certain fees and penalties. After the abolition of ancient monastery privileges in 1788, he relocated to Rue St. Martin No. 175, a number later changed to 151, where his descendants continued the violin making trade. Active in Paris from 1781, he was born in Mattaincourt, Vosges, near Mirecourt, and passed away in Paris in 1831. He was considered among the better violin makers of his era, though recognizing his work requires careful study as he did not label his instruments; any labels bearing his name were affixed by his sons.

Craft

• Workmanship: Jean Baptiste Henry was considered one of the better violin makers of his time.
• Labeling Practice: He did not affix labels to his instruments; any labels bearing his name were added by his sons.
• Known Instruments: A violin is known to be dated 1781.

Influence

• Training: Jean Baptiste Henry was apprenticed in Mirecourt.
• Family Tradition: His sons, Jean Baptiste Felix and Charles, were also violin makers and were responsible for labeling instruments with their father's name.

Legacy

• Family Continuity: Jean Baptiste Henry was the head of a family of makers, and his descendants continued the violin making business in the same house on Rue St. Martin.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: Jean Baptiste Henry's business was initially located in a house of the St. Martin Monastery until 1788. Subsequently, he moved to Rue St. Martin No. 175, which was later renumbered to 151.

Summary

Jean Baptiste Henry (1757-1831) was a significant Parisian violin maker who trained in Mirecourt. He established his workshop near the St. Martin Monastery, later moving to Rue St. Martin, where his family continued the trade. Known for not labeling his own instruments, his work is recognized through careful study, with labels bearing his name typically applied by his sons, Jean Baptiste Felix and Charles.