(Persoit) Jean Pierre Marie Persois

Auction price history

Highest auction price

£32,873

Type	Details	Sold	Price
Cello Bow	76.5 g. no lapping (frog & adjustor later) [Probably by]	May 2011	£7,283
Violin Bow	S/E 56 g. Paris, 1845 c.	April 2011	£21,002
Violin Bow	G/T 58 g. without winding	December 2010	£10,874
Violin Bow	S/E 58.0 g.	June 2010	£32,129
Viola Bow	S/E 60.0 g.	April 2010	£32,873
Violin Bow	S/E 59 g. Paris, 1825 c. (later ebony frog)	March 2010	£27,500
Cello Bow	S/E 78 g. (frog and button of the perod)	December 2009	£25,026
Violin Bow	S/E 55.0 g. (button not original, small lift behind head)	May 2009	£10,093
Violin Bow	S/E 61 g. (button of the period, frog later)	December 2008	£12,798
Violin Bow	S/E 61.5 g. (frog & button modern copies)	March 2008	£14,040
Violin Bow	S/E 56.5 g. Paris, 1840 c. without lapping [Lit: The Cooper Collection]	March 2008	£29,300
Violin Bow	S/E 50 g. without hair or winding (missing ferrule)	June 2007	£23,246
Violin Bow	(frog of "Voirin" school, button of "Bazin" school)	June 2005	£10,682
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g. [Probably by]	June 2005	£6,440
Violin Bow	S/E 60.5 g. Includes frog & button copy	June 2005	£10,626
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	October 2003	£13,570
Violin Bow	stick	June 2003	£17,310
Violin Bow	S/E 55 g.	November 2002	£28,680
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	June 2002	£19,627
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	March 2000	£21,850
Violin Bow	G/E 66 g.	November 1999	£30,519
Violin Bow	S/E 52 g.	June 1998	£9,608
Violin Bow	S/E 58 g.	April 1998	£12,075
Violin Bow	S/E 60 g.	March 1995	£4,140
Violin Bow	S/I 58 g.	March 1994	£5,865
Violin Bow	S/E 63 g.	March 1994	£5,060
Violin Bow	S/E 58 g. stamped & made for "Nicolas Eury"	April 1993	£3,450
Violin Bow	S/E 59 g.	November 1981	£1,705

Maker Overview

History

Jean Pierre Marie Persois (circa 1783-1854) was born around 1783 in Mirecourt, France, and worked in Paris from approximately 1809 to 1854. He was active in Paris as a bow maker from about 1809. According to Millant, confusion over the name 'Persois' in many reference works stems from his use of a 'PARIS' brand stamp that was altered to read 'P R S', which was intended to indicate 'PeRSoit'. He lived close to F. Tourte during this period. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his tenure with J. B. Vuillaume; John Dilworth states he joined J. B. Vuillaume around 1826, while Cecie Stainer indicates he made bows for J. B. Vuillaume from 1823 to 1841, and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes he worked for J. B. Vuillaume from 1821 to 1843. Most of his work during this time bears the Vuillaume brand. He established himself independently in Paris in 1838, or after 1841 according to Stainer.

Craft

Workmanship: His best work is considered very similar to that of Tourte. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that his marked bows, which are a great rarity, are equal to those of Tourte.
Stick Characteristics: His early sticks were generally octagonal. Those with round sticks are described as slightly heavier and a little shorter.
Branding: He branded his bows with 'PRS' beneath the lapping or above the face of the frog, as noted by Millant/Raffin. Cecie Stainer also confirms he marked his bows with the letters 'P. R. S.'. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff adds that he only marked those bows he made to order and on which he placed particular care.

Influence

Associations: He lived close to F. Tourte during his active period in Paris.
Mentorship: Millant suggests, based on stylistic grounds, that he may have worked for F. Lupot. While working at J. B. Vuillaume's shop, he taught D. Peccatte.

Further Information

Locations: He occupied various addresses around Paris.
Identification: His work is considered very fine but is relatively rarely identified.

Summary

Jean Pierre Marie Persois was a highly skilled French bow maker, born circa 1783 in Mirecourt and active in Paris from approximately 1809 to 1854. He is known for his exceptional craftsmanship, with his best work often compared to that of Tourte. Persois worked for J. B. Vuillaume for a significant period, during which he taught D. Peccatte, and later established his own independent business. He marked his bows with 'PRS', though such marked examples are rare and highly prized.

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Biographies

John Dilworth Willibald Leo Lütgendorff Cecie Stainer

John Dilworth

PERSOIT, Jean Pierre Marie Born circa. 1783 Mirecourt, Worked circa. 1809-1854 Paris France. Bow maker. Active in Paris from c.1809. Confusion over the name ‘Persois’ given in many reference works is due, according to Millant, to his use of a ‘PARIS’ brand stamp altered to read ‘P R S’, intended to indicate ‘PeRSoit’. Living at that time close to F. Tourte, but on stylistic grounds Millant suggests that he may have worked for F. Lupot. Occupied various addresses around Paris, but joined J. B. Vuillaume c.1826; most of his work bears the Vuillaume brand. In that shop he taught D. Peccatte. Established independently in Paris 1838. Best work is very similar to that of Tourte. Early sticks generally octagonal; those with round sticks slightly heavier and a little short. Very fine work, but relatively rarely identified. Branded beneath the lapping or above the face of the frog: ‘PRS’ [Millant/Raffin]