Etienne Laprevotte

History

Etienne Laprevotte (d. 1856). Sources contain conflicting information regarding his working dates in Paris, with John Dilworth stating c.1837-1857, while Cecie Stainer indicates his death in 1856 in Paris. He was active in Marseille before 1823, and according to Cecie Stainer, was still there in 1821. From about 1823, he established his workshop in Paris. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes his residence at Rue du Bac 38 in 1838 and at Rue du Dragon 3 in 1844. He participated successfully in all French exhibitions from 1823 to 1855, as reported by Lütgendorff. George Hart and John Dilworth both mention his appointment as luthier to H.R.H. le Duc de Bordeaux.

Craft

• Instrument Production: Etienne Laprevotte crafted both string instruments, including violins, and guitars.
• Violin Workmanship: His violins were admired for their excellent workmanship and warm, beautifully colored varnish, which, according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, almost gave the impression of Italian instruments. Cecie Stainer also noted their beautifully finished work and very good color varnish.
• Guitar Innovation: He made guitars of his own invention and excellent workmanship. Lütgendorff states that only Lacôte surpassed him in this regard, while Stainer notes that he and Lacôte were considered two of the best French makers of this instrument.
• Quality Consistency: John Dilworth observed inconsistent quality in his output, with some instruments being rather meagre in wood and varnish, while others featured better materials and workmanship. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff also noted that numerous very mediocre instruments emerged from his workshop alongside the excellent ones.

Legacy

• Exhibition Awards: Etienne Laprevotte received a "Mention" at the 1823 Exhibition and a bronze medal in 1827. For his guitars, he received another "Mention" in 1834 and a bronze medal in 1844, according to Cecie Stainer.
• Museum Collections: A beautifully inlaid violin by him is part of the Paris Conservatoire Collection (No. 40), as noted by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff and Cecie Stainer. Additionally, two fine guitars by Laprevotte are also housed in the Paris Conservatoire Collection.
• Royal Appointment: He was appointed luthier to H.R.H. le Duc de Bordeaux, as stated by George Hart and John Dilworth.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: In Paris, he resided at Rue du Bac 38 in 1838 and 1839, and at Rue du Dragon 3 in 1844.
• Instrument Labels: John Dilworth records a label as "La Prevotte / dédié aux Dames / Luthier breveté, auteur / rue du Bac 38, Paris. / 1839". Cecie Stainer mentions a label found inside two of his guitars in the Paris Conservatoire Collection as "Guitare Laprevotte, dediee aux dames".