Archives

Iconography
Birth : 1750 in Rozerotte (Vosges) Death : 1808 in Paris (Ile-de-France)

Biography

Contrary to what has been previously written, Joseph BASSOT was born in Rozerotte, in Eastern France, on May 1, 1750 (1).
We know nothing about the early life of J BASSOT until a record of his marriage in 1771 to Therese Paulot in MIRECOURT. Likewise, we have no information on his apprenticeship.
Jacquot, without any details, tells us that he was working in MIRECOURT until 1774 (2).

It was after this date that he moved to Paris where a son was born in 1778 in the Saint Sulpice parish(1). 
In 1783 he was established in the Quinze-vingts (3) and then in 1788, at n°1 rue de Chabannais (3).

Works
J BASSOT's instruments are rather rare and his production can be divided into two main stylistic periods.
- His first period presents arched instruments coated with a rather dry yellow varnish.
- His second period, beginning with his arrival in Paris, has him classified by Silvette Millot as one of the "Innovators", alongside RENAUDIN, KOLIKER, and Antoine SAINT PAUL(1).
These violin makers including PIQUE and LUPOT, abandoned the models of AMATI and STAINER in favor of those of STRADIVARIUS. 
Instruments of this period are distinguished by an affirmed masculinity and a rich red to red-brown varnish, often crackled. These instruments are charged with a strong stylistic expressiveness and superior tonal qualities.

Production
His instrument making is mainly composed of violins and cellos, however, some small sized violas can be found.
It is interesting to note this reference to a hurdy-gurdy, visible at the Sarlat museum, signed with his name. (4)

Iron Brand
BASSOT
A PARIS*
Placed in different locations both inside and outside his instruments (see iconography)

Label
Printed : JOSEPH BASSOT, Luthier / à Paris 1789

Sources
1- (Millot S. 2006)
2- (Jacquot A. 1985 reprint de l’edition 1912)
3- (Pierre Constant. 1976 Reprint de l'édition 1971)
4 - Musée de Sarlat : https://webmuseo.com/ws/sarlat/app/file/forcedownload/6-vielle-a-roue.pdf?key=fe6016z5s3111zyxiq6f85n00ityceh8y

 

© Viaduct Violins – All rights Reserved. – 2003 - 2026 .
Select a Maker

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W