Jacques-Pierre Thibout

History

Jacques-Pierre THIBOUT (b. September 16, 1777, Caen; d. December 4, 1856, Saint-Mandé, near Paris) first worked in Caen before moving to Paris in 1796, where he worked for Koliker. He married in 1800 and established his own independent workshop in 1807 at 24 rue Montmartre. In 1810, he relocated his business to 8 rue Rameau, operating under the sign 'Au Roi David'. Thibout was appointed luthier to the Opéra, the conservatoire, and the royal court, and was also known as 'luthier de l'Académie Royale de Musique' and 'luthier du roi'. According to George Hart, Thibout was a well-known dealer in rare Italian instruments and played a crucial role in encouraging Luigi Tarisio to bring his Cremonese instruments to Paris, prevailing upon him to visit the French capital with his valuable wares. His son, Gabriel Eugène Thibout, assisted him in his work.

Craft

• Models: Thibout's instruments often followed Stradivari models in the style of Lupot, though he also developed his own model. He was known for constant experimentation with both model and varnish, which sometimes led to inconsistency in his work.
• Workmanship: He was considered an excellent workman, and his instruments are highly esteemed. His work is described as uncommonly clean and beautiful, with some of his instruments being among the finest of the French School. However, some pieces have a heavy aspect, mainly due to flattened ribs at their junction with the corners. He employed a specific treatment of the sides to achieve an improved pattern and excellent tone quality.
• Materials: He utilized first-class materials in his instrument construction.
• Varnish: Thibout used a wide range of colors for his varnish, often described as excellent. Notable examples include a red varnish on an amber ground, and a rich coloring on two magnificent violins. The varnish is sometimes described as amber on a reddish ground.
• Innovation: He was associated with a 'nouveau procédé approuvé par l’Institut' (new process approved by the Institute).
• Reputation: His best instruments are of a very high order and were often given false Lupot labels due to their quality. His instruments' workmanship and varnish were so beautiful that they could bear comparison with the best Italian work.
• Specialization: He was also a significant bridge carver.

Influence

• Training: Jacques-Pierre Thibout worked under Koliker in Paris starting in 1796, where he developed into a very fine connoisseur.

Legacy

• Awards: Thibout received several accolades, including medals in the Paris expositions of 1827, 1844, and 1855. Specifically, he was awarded a silver medal in 1827, another silver medal in 1844, and a first-class medal at the Paris Exhibition in 1855 for an excellent violoncello.
• Museum Collections: A particularly excellent instrument by Thibout (No. 45) is housed in the Museum of the Paris Conservatorium.
• Family Continuity: His son, Gabriel Eugène Thibout, assisted him in his workshop.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: He first established his independent workshop at 24 rue Montmartre in Paris, moving to 8 rue Rameau in 1810.
• Workshop Sign: His workshop at rue Rameau operated under the sign 'Au Roi David'.
• Labels: Examples of his labels include: 'Nouveau procédé approuvé par l’Institut / Thibout, Luthier, rue Rameau / No. 8, à Paris, 1835 T.J.P.'; 'Au Roi David / Thibout, Luthier de l’Académie Royale de Musique / Rue Rameau, No. 8, à Paris'; and 'Nouveau procede approuve par l’Institut. Thibout, luthier du roi, rue Rameau, no. 8, a Paris, 1825.'
• Historical Value: His violins quickly gained notice, with prices ranging from £10 to £14, which was considered high for the period. Later, his instruments were valued at approximately 1000 Marks.

Summary

Jacques-Pierre THIBOUT (1777-1856) was a prominent French luthier born in Caen and active in Paris. After training with Koliker, he established his own workshop, notably at 8 rue Rameau under the sign 'Au Roi David'. He held prestigious appointments as luthier to the Opéra, conservatoire, and royal court. Thibout was instrumental in bringing rare Italian instruments to Paris through his encouragement of Luigi Tarisio. Known for his experimentation with Stradivari and Lupot-style models, his instruments are highly esteemed for their first-class materials, beautiful workmanship, and excellent varnish, often compared to the best Italian work. He received multiple medals at Paris expositions and his work is represented in the Paris Conservatorium Museum.