Francois Fourrier (II) Nicolas

History

François Fourrier (II) Nicolas (1758-1810/1816) was born in 1758 in Mirecourt, with his birth date specifically noted as October 5, 1758, by Cecie Stainer. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his death date, with John Dilworth stating he died in 1810 in Paris, while George Hart and Cecie Stainer indicate he died in 1816 in Paris. He was the son and pupil of François Nicolas (I). Around 1770, he was employed by E. Saunier in Paris. By 1784, he had established himself independently in Paris and was appointed Luthier to the Royal School of Music. He later became Luthier to Emperor Napoleon I in 1789, or 1804 according to Cecie Stainer. His workshop locations included place de l'Ecole from 1789, rue Nicaise in 1797, and finally rue des Petits Champs. The name Fourrier is an acknowledgement of St Pierre Fourrier of Mattaincourt, a popular dedicatee in the Vosges region, which was the origin of the Nicolas family.

Craft

• Model: François Fourrier (II) Nicolas generally worked to a large Stradivari model.
• Workmanship: His instruments exhibit emphatic and slightly heavy workmanship, featuring low ribs and thick, highly coloured varnish, which ranged from clear red to a deep orange-brown.
• Quality: His work is described as very refined and superior, with his cellos being particularly successful.
• Materials and Proportions: According to Cecie Stainer, he is especially commended for the careful choice of wood and the good proportions of his instruments, which he closely copied from beautiful specimens of Cremona work.
• Usage: He made all the string instruments used in the private orchestra of Napoleon I.
• Authenticity Concerns: The best instruments by Fourrier Nicolas are sometimes found with false Lupot labels applied by unscrupulous dealers.

Influence

• Parentage and Apprenticeship: He was the son and pupil of François Nicolas (I).
• Early Employment: He was employed by E. Saunier in Paris around 1770.

Legacy

• Historical Reception: His instruments, though much used at one time, eventually dropped out of fashion, but good violins by him are still available.
• Labels: A manuscript label found in a violin reads: "Repare par Fourrier Nicolas, luthier de la chapelle de S.M. l'Empereur, pour son ami Julien, chef d'orchestre des bals de la Cour, 1806."

Further Information

• Branding: Instruments by François Fourrier (II) Nicolas were often branded 'Nicolas de Paris'.
• Labels: Examples of his labels include: "Nicolas, luthier, rue St. / Nicaize, No.502 à Paris, an 1797" and "Fourrier Nicolas / Luthier de la Chapelle de sa Mté / L'Empereur Napoleon Ier. / L. Parisiorum anno 1806". Another label states: "Réparé par Fourrier Nicolas / luthier de la chapelle de S. M. l'Empereur / pour son ami Julien, chef d'orchestra / des bals de la cour, 1806".

Summary

François Fourrier (II) Nicolas (1758-1810/1816) was a significant French luthier, son and pupil of François Nicolas (I). He established his independent workshop in Paris by 1784, after working for E. Saunier, and held prestigious appointments as Luthier to the Royal School of Music and Emperor Napoleon I. Known for his refined and superior workmanship, he often followed a large Stradivari model, utilizing carefully chosen wood and good proportions, with a distinctive thick, highly coloured varnish. His cellos were particularly successful, and his instruments were used in Napoleon I's private orchestra. Despite a period of declining fashion, his good violins remain valued.