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Iconography
Birth : 1895 in Mattaincourt (Vosges) Death : 1928 in Mattaincourt (Vosges)

Biography

Jules SARTORI was born on June 4, 1895, in Mattaincourt, to a father who was a winemaker and a mother who was an embroiderer. He was the youngest of seven children, five of whom were luthiers. (1)

In 1909, at the age of fourteen, Jules Sartori received a vermeil medal, "grand module," during the apprentice luthiers’ competition. The newspaper La Presse Vosgienne, which reported the event, specifies that he was then an apprentice at the workshop of Émile AUDINOT. (2)
The following year, he was again awarded a vermeil medal, his application being presented this time by la Chambre syndicale des patrons luthiers.
Once his training was completed, he joined the workshop of Charles BRUGÈRE in Paris, as noted on the cover of his 1927 catalog. (3)

Around the 1920s, he left Paris to establish his own workshop in Mattaincourt, as evidenced by a violin bearing his mark and dated 1922 — the oldest instrument by this maker known to us so far.

Jules SARTORI passed away in 1928, at the age of thirty-three, just as he seemed to be beginning to unfold his talent and ambitions. A patent application filed on May 23, 1928, for his personal violin model attests to this. (2) (see Iconography)

Works
We have only a few examples of instruments signed by this maker.
His catalog, dated 1927 (3), lists about fifteen references for violins and violas, as well as two models for cellos.
In addition to the classic "VUILLAUME" model, there is a surprising reference to GAND.
KLOTZ and STAINER are mentioned alongside GUARNERIUS, AMATI, SAN SÉRAPHIN, as well as the eternal "STRADIVARIUS."
These instruments are produced either with a full varnish or with an "imitation vieux" varnish. They can also be entirely varnished with oil, upon request and for an additional fee.
Finally, as Roland TERRIER points out, an original mark, "Bossu Charentais," whose varnish is described as "worn yellow," designates one of his models. (3)

Labels and Stamps
In a triangle, with the two sides bearing "J SARTORI" above the base "ANNO + date."
Or "J SARTORI" in various locations on the top and back of the instrument.
Pencil signature and date on the back of the instrument. (see iconography.)

Awards and Honors
1909 Médaille de Vermeil. Concours des Apprentis lutiers. MIRECOURT
1910 Médaille de Vermeil. Concours des Apprentis lutiers. MIRECOURT
1924 Médaille d'argent Esposition d'Épinal
1926 Médaille d'argent. Exposition du Meilleur Ouvrier de France. Metz
1926 Médaille d'or. Exposition du Meilleur artisan de France. Paris
1927 Diplome d'Honneur. Exposition du Meilleur Artisan de France. Paris

Sources
(1) Archives des Vosges.
(2) Archives des Vosges, lutherie Archèterie.
(3) Roland Terrier.


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