Pierre Silvestre

History

Pierre SILVESTRE (1801-1859) was born in 1801 in Sommerviller, near Nancy, and died in 1859 in Lyon, France.

He served his apprenticeship with Blaise at Mirecourt before moving to Paris where he worked for Lupot and then for Lupot's successor, François Gand.

In 1829, Silvestre established his own independent workshop in Lyon.

From 1831 to 1848, he was joined by his brother Hippolyte, and they worked together as Silvestre Frères.

After 1848, Pierre continued the business alone for the last ten years of his life until his death in 1859.

According to Henri Poidras, his deserved reputation secured him an excellent clientele right from the beginning of his installation at Lyons.

Craft

• Models: Pierre Silvestre made extremely fine copies of Stradivari, Amati, and Guarneri models, often in a large but well-proportioned form, similar to the manner of Vuillaume.
• Workmanship: His instruments are noted for their delicate workmanship, neat detailing, and high finish, with George Hart stating it would be difficult to find any modern French maker who surpassed him in this regard.
• Materials: He was fortunate in procuring wood of beautiful quality, ensuring his instruments were always handsome.
• Varnish: His instruments feature a fine, tender, and well-textured varnish in appropriate shades.
• Distinctive Features: Some of his instruments include carved female heads or portraits on the scroll.
• Production: He is said to have made about 350 instruments, including violins and violoncellos.
• Instrument Types: He produced violins, rare violas, several fine Stradivari model cellos, and round-backed double basses.

Influence

• Apprenticeship: Pierre Silvestre served his apprenticeship with Blaise at Mirecourt.
• Mentorship: He worked as an assistant for Lupot and then for François Gand in Paris, completing his artistic training with them.

Legacy

• Awards: Pierre Silvestre received bronze medals at the Paris Exhibitions in 1844 and 1855.
• Commercial Value: His instruments are increasing in commercial value due to their careful finish and quality.
• Workshop Succession: After his death, his workshop passed to his brother Hippolyte, then to Pichon, and subsequently to Hippolyte Chrétien, the nephew of the Silvestre brothers.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: He worked in Mirecourt (apprenticeship), Paris (for Lupot and Gand), and established his own workshop in Lyon from 1829.
• Labels: His individual label read "Pierre Silvestre / à Lyon 1848" or "Pierre Silvestre a Lyon, 185—" and a manuscript label "Fait par Silvestre ainé No. 2 / Luthier chez M. Gand rue Croix- / des petits Champs No. 24. Paris 1827".
• Partnership Labels: When working with his brother, the label used was "Petrus et Hipolitus Fratres Silvestre / Fecerunt Lugduni. Anno 1838 no.163" or "Petrus et Hippolytus Silvestre fra res fecerunt Lugdun 183—".

Summary

Pierre SILVESTRE (1801-1859) was a highly esteemed French luthier, born in Sommerviller and active primarily in Lyon.

He trained with Blaise in Mirecourt and worked for Lupot and Gand in Paris before establishing his own workshop in Lyon in 1829.

Known for his exceptional craftsmanship, he produced instruments, including violins, cellos, and double basses, often copying Stradivari, Amati, and Guarneri models with delicate workmanship, choice materials, and fine varnish.

He partnered with his brother Hippolyte from 1831 to 1848, but his individually labelled work is often considered superior.

Silvestre's instruments earned him bronze medals at Paris Exhibitions and are highly valued today.