Michel Couturieux, French violin, circa 1850

With its attractive appearance, this French violin by Michel Couturieux is a truly lovely reference instrument of French violin making in the mid-19th century – a beautifully preserved violin with a magnificent sound for musicians who appreciate historic instruments with a distinctive style.

The luthiers at the highly regarded Michel Couturieux workshop focused particular attention on this violin, which dates back to around 1850. Its sophisticated form immediately making this interesting violin stand out amongst the other pieces from this well-established workshop. Inside the body is its original mark, and despite the fact that it claims that the violin comes “à Paris” – a tribute which was simply considered to be good style during this era of violin making so heavily influenced by Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume – the violin clearly represents the French tradition of violin making. This Michel Couturieux violin’s darkened orange-brownish varnish highlights the aesthetic of the fine- to moderately-grained spruce top and the interesting irregularities of the one-piece maple back. A minor repair to the upper bout emphasises the authentic aesthetic of this very well-preserved antique violin, which was carefully set up and made ready to play by the restoration specialists at our workshop. This Michel Couturieux violin is also a musically persuasive choice thanks to its bright, clear, sweet sound. 

Like all stringed instruments from Corilon violins, delivered with free shipping, a 30-day return policy, and Corilon’s trade-in guarantee.

The violin makers at the renowned Michel Couturieux workshop paid special attention to this violin, which was crafted around 1850. Its beautiful form sets the violin apart at first glance from the instruments of this well-established workshop, whose original maker’s mark it bears on the inside of the body. Regardless of the claim of origin documented by this stamp, “a Paris”—which was common practice in many places during that era shaped by the Parisian violin-making scene around Jean-Baptiste Vuillaume—this lovely French violin clearly represents the tradition of instrument making in Mirecourt. Its darkened orange-brown varnish with a fine patina accentuates the aesthetics of the fine- to medium-grained spruce top and the interesting irregularities of the one-piece maple back. A small repair on the upper edge underscores the authentic appearance of this very well-preserved Michel Couturieux violin, which has been fully inspected in our restoration workshop and prepared for playing; it also impresses musically with its bright, clear, and sweet tone. Delivered with free shipping, a 30-day return policy, and Corilon’s trade-in guarantee.