Laurent Bourlier, antique French violin c.1830/1840

Laurent Bourlier: Antique French violin with a professional sound

The French violin maker Joseph Laurent Bourlier (1798–1880) is an excellent master whose work represents the advantages of craftsmanship-oriented Mirecourt violin making in the early 19th century. Notwithstanding the high quality of his instruments, little is known about him and his family, which produced several interesting violin makers – which is why their story is primarily recorded in historic violins like the one offered here.

• Perfectly preserved antique stringed instrument from the early 19th century
• Laurent Bourlier original label with handwritten ergänzation
• Powerful, large and radiant, mature sound, rich in timbre
• First-class master craftsmanship made of high-quality, beautiful tonewoods
• Historic patina full of character
 

The maturity of craftsmanship that speaks from all the details of this Laurent Bourlier violin presents a highly talented and well-trained young master who must have been in his 4th decade of life at the time of its creation. The one-piece top made of rare beautiful wide-grained spruce is an unconventional and sophisticated demonstration of his art, which is also articulated in the one-piece back made of finely flamed maple. Wide extended corners, the finely crafted purfling and a luminous orange-brown varnish, which has developed a noble patina, give this violin its antique character, which carries Bourlier's partly handwritten original label inside. This perfectly preserved violin is in excellent tonal condition and has been restored to playing condition in our violin making workshop. Its mature and radiant sound with its richness of tone colors and its powerful size meets the highest demands of professional musicians.