Birth : 1758 in Stuttgart (Germany) Death : 1824 in Paris (île-de-France)

Summary

Also known as The French Stradivarius.

Biography

Career
The eldest son of François LUPOT I, a violin maker, Nicolas LUPOT is supposed to have started his apprenticeship with his father at the age of 12.
In 1782 he married Marie-Christine DEVREAU. No children were born from this marriage, but Nicolas LUPOT and his wife raised Cornélie SQUIMBRE, the daughter of friends, who later became the wife of Charles-François GAND.
In that same year LUPOT established his workshop on rue d'Illiers in Orléans.
During 1792 and 1793, while in Orléans, Nicolas Lupot collaborated with François Louis PIQUE for whom he produced white violins.

According to Silvette MILLOT, Nicolas LUPOT came to Paris to work for PIQUE by the end of 1794.
Around 1796 he established his own workshop at 24 rue de Grammont.
In 1797, on the recommendation of GAVINIÈS, LUPOT was selected to craft the violin offered to the finalist of the first competition organized by the Paris Conservatory of Music (Premier prix du concours du Conservatoire de Musique). His would be the first in a long tradition of decorated instruments.
In 1806 Nicolas LUPOT moved his workshop to 30 rue de la Croix des Petits Champs where he remained until 1824, starting what is considered his golden period.
A book was published that same year by the Abbé SIBIRE entitled "La Chélémonie ou Le Parfait Luthier".
This book is actually a series of interviews between the Abbé and LUPOT that demonstrates the violin maker's great interest in STRADIVARI, after whose models he worked, as well as some contemplations and comments about GUARNERI works.

Works
1782 to 1798: the Orléans period. The first years in Orléans are considered LUPOT's "transition period", during which his style remained close to his father's, while his models became progressively more similar to those by STRADIVARI.
After 1798 LUPOT's work became stronger and more independent, and he ultimately found his maturity after 1806.
Nicolas LUPOT worked mainly after A. STRADIVARI models, but noting the interest of musicians in GUARNERI's works, he also made some violins after models by this maker.

Workshop
1782-1794 Orleans. Rue d'Illiers
1796-1806 Paris. 24 Rue de Grammont.
1806-1824 Paris. 30 rue de la Croix des Petits Champs.

Honors & awards
In 1813, Luthier de la Chapelle de Sa Majesté Empereur et Roi.
In 1816, Luthier Honoraire de sa majesté le Roi Louis XVIII.
In 1817, Luthier de L'Ecole Royale de Musique.

Collaborators & successors
LUPOT, François II: his brother, a violin and bow maker (from 1798 to ...).
GAND, Charles-François: LUPOT's apprentice, then his collaborator (from 1802 to 1812).
SILVESTRE, Pierre.

Sources
- MILLIOT Silvette. Lecture. 3° journée Européenne De La Lutherie. Cordes sur Ciel. 2003.
- PERRIN Nicolas. Lecture. 3° journée Européenne De La Lutherie. Cordes sur Ciel. 2003.

 

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