Jean Baptiste (I) Lefebvre

History

Jean Baptiste (I) Lefebvre (circa 1700-1775) was born around 1700 in Lannoy, near Lille, France, and died in 1775 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, according to John Dilworth in The Brompton’s Book of Violin & Bow Makers. He was active in Amsterdam from approximately 1726.Cecie Stainer, in A Dictionary of Violin Makers, states that he worked in Amsterdam from about 1735 to 1770. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, in Die Geigen- und Lautenmacher vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart, identifies him as a Frenchman who established himself in Amsterdam.

Craft

• Styles: His work exhibited two distinct styles, as noted by John Dilworth: one in a traditional Dutch manner and others more commonly in the Mirecourt tradition.
• Dutch Style Characteristics: The traditional Dutch style featured an Amatisé model with long corners and whalebone purfling.
• Mirecourt Style Characteristics: Instruments in the Mirecourt tradition were low-arched and short-cornered, finished with yellow and golden-brown varnish.
• General Characteristics: He generally incorporated small scrolls and short soundholes.
• Quality: His work is described as good by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, and Cecie Stainer notes its superiority in merit to contemporary French work.
• Varnish: He used good yellow varnish, sometimes yellow and golden-brown.
• Output: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff mentions he was quite diligent and made "Geigen aller Art" (all kinds of violins).
• Specific Instrument: A violoncello is noted for its small size, yellow varnish, and carefully finished work.

Influence

• Training Hypothesis: It is supposed that he gained experience in Italy before going to Amsterdam, as his work is considered superior to that made in France at the time, according to Cecie Stainer.
• Family Assistance: He was assisted by his son, Jean Baptiste Lefèbvre (II).

Legacy

• Workshop Continuity: The workshop in Kalverstraat continued under the direction of various luthiers until 1857, and the business was taken into the 20th century by the Ko brothers and Johannes Peereboom, as detailed by John Dilworth.
• Preserved Instruments: A violoncello from 1770 is in the Sammlung Snoeck (No. 585) in Berlin, and another from 1772, along with a violin from 1786, are in the Sammlung Scheurleer, according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Further Information

• Workshop Location: His workshop was located in Kalverstraat, Amsterdam.
• Labels: Examples of his labels include "J. B. LeFèbvre fecit in Amsterdam. 1770." and "J. B. Le Febvre fecit in Amsterdam, 1770."

Summary

Jean Baptiste (I) Lefebvre (circa 1700-1775) was a French luthier active in Amsterdam from around 1726, known for instruments crafted in both traditional Dutch and Mirecourt styles. His work, often featuring an Amatisé model, small scrolls, and yellow or golden-brown varnish, was considered superior to contemporary French craftsmanship, leading to speculation that he trained in Italy. His workshop in Kalverstraat continued for many years, and his instruments are found in notable collections such as the Sammlung Snoeck and Sammlung Scheurleer.