Pierre Napoleon Jeandel

History

Pierre Napoleon Jeandel (1812-1879) was born in Courcelles-sous-Vaudemont (Meurthe). Sources provide conflicting information regarding his birth year, with John Dilworth stating 1810, while Cecie Stainer indicates 1812. He died on May 10, 1879, in Rouen, France, though John Dilworth notes his death year as 1878. Jeandel began his apprenticeship in Mirecourt, becoming a pupil of Charotte around 1830. In 1835, he moved to Rouen to work with Joseph Charotte, who was the brother of his Mirecourt teacher, according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. Following Joseph Charotte's death in 1836, Jeandel, in partnership with Lucien Delau, took over the business located at 36, rue Beauvoisine. This partnership dissolved in 1848, at which point Jeandel established his own workshop at 51, quai de Paris, where he continued to work until 1878. In his later years, he reportedly lacked the material success he deserved, and after the death of his daughter, he became helpless, as noted by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. His health failed, and he was admitted into the 'hospice general' of Rouen on December 27, 1878, where he passed away a few months later.

Craft

• Model: Jeandel's instruments often feature a large, flat-arched Mirecourt model.
• Varnish: He utilized a red varnish, sometimes described as a heavy red-brown varnish applied over a yellow ground.
• Workmanship: He was considered a clever workman, producing well-made instruments with a good tone.
• Signing: His instruments are signed internally with 'Jeandel'.

Influence

• Mentorship: Pierre Napoleon Jeandel was a pupil of Charotte in Mirecourt from approximately 1830. He later worked under Joseph Charotte in Rouen.

Legacy

• Awards: Jeandel received several accolades for his work, including a bronze medal at Rouen in 1854, a 1st class medal at Paris in 1855, and a silver medal at Rouen in 1856.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: Jeandel's workshop was initially located at 36, rue Beauvoisine in Rouen during his partnership with Lucien Delau. After their separation in 1848, he established his own workshop at 51, quai de Paris.

Summary

Pierre Napoleon Jeandel (1812-1879) was a French luthier who trained in Mirecourt under Charotte before moving to Rouen in 1835. He initially worked with Joseph Charotte and later partnered with Lucien Delau, taking over the business at 36, rue Beauvoisine. After separating from Delau in 1848, Jeandel established his own workshop at 51, quai de Paris. He was known for his well-made instruments, often featuring a large, flat-arched Mirecourt model and red varnish, and received several awards at expositions in Rouen and Paris.