Charles Adophe Maucotel

History

Charles Adophe Maucotel (1820-1858) was born in Mirecourt in 1820 and died in Paris on February 6, 1858, as stated by Cecie Stainer. He worked in Paris from 1839 until his death in 1858, according to George Hart. After an apprenticeship in Mirecourt, he went to Paris and worked for five years, from 1839 to 1844, under J. B. Vuillaume, as detailed by Cecie Stainer and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. In 1844, he started his own business in the Galerie Vivienne, later moving first to the Rue Croix-des-Petits-Champs in 1852, and then to the Rue Princesse. Tragically, he took his own life at the age of 38 in 1858, cutting his throat during an attack of brain-fever, as reported by Cecie Stainer and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.

Craft

• Workmanship: He was a very skilled violin maker whose instruments have lasting value, according to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. His numerous violins, altos, and violoncellos show good work and have a fine tone, as noted by Cecie Stainer.
• Models: He made excellent copies of the works of Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri, producing fine instruments on classical Cremonese models.
• Materials & Varnish: His instruments are characterized by excellent materials and varnish, according to John Dilworth.

Influence

• Apprenticeship: Charles Adophe Maucotel was apprenticed in Mirecourt.
• Mentorship: He worked for five years, from 1839 to 1844, under J. B. Vuillaume in Paris.

Legacy

• Awards: In 1844, he was awarded a bronze medal for an alto placed in the 2nd class, and in 1855, he received a medal of the 2nd class in Paris.
• Notable Instruments: A violoncello in the Paris Conservatorium clearly demonstrates his merits.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: He established his workshop in the Galerie Vivienne from 1844, moved to Croix des Petits Champs in 1852, and finally to Rue Princesse.
• Label Example: An example of his label is "Charles Adolphe Maucotel à Paris / Rue Croix des Petits Champs Année, 18.."

Summary

Charles Adophe Maucotel (1820-1858) was a highly skilled French violin maker who worked in Paris from 1839 until his tragic death in 1858. After an apprenticeship in Mirecourt, he worked for J. B. Vuillaume before establishing his own workshop, which moved through several locations in Paris. He was known for making excellent copies of Stradivari and Guarneri, using fine materials and varnish, and received medals for his work in 1844 and 1855.