Born in Nice in 1866, Albert Caressa completed his apprenticeship at Gand et Bernardel. In 1901, Gustave Bernardel retired and encouraged Albert Caressa to work with his workshop colleague, Henri Français, to take over the company. This partnership gave birth to one of the most prestigious violin-making companies of the 20th century: Maison Caressa et Français.

Renowned for instrument making and restoration, its clients included the virtuosos Eugène Ysaÿe, Pablo de Sarasate and Jacques Thibaud.

During its existence, Caressa et Français also employed renowned luthiers such as Émile Laurent and Émile Boulangeot, as well as bow makers such as Victor and Jules Fétique. It also had an impressive collection of antique instruments and bows.

Following in the illustrious footsteps of a workshop founded in 1796 by Nicolas Lupot, Caressa and Français were able to perpetuate know-how and tradition, just like other renowned masters before them, including Charles François Gand. Benefiting from the title of Conservatoire luthiers, they also maintained an official connection with the Paris Conservatoire established by their predecessors. In 1913, they moved to rue de Madrid, close to the institution.

When Henri Français retired in 1920, Albert Caressa continued the business alone until his death in 1939. His son-in-law, Émile Français, took over until his retirement in 1981.

The instrument we have the pleasure of presenting at our forthcoming auction dedicated to the quartet's instruments and bows is a remarkable example of this great tradition of instrument making, a vibrant testament to the firm's brilliant past and its close relationship with the Conservatoire and its prizewinners. This superb violin, made by Albert Caressa in 1926 and numbered 140, bears the violin-maker's original label and his iron marks on the inside. Magnificently decorated with the coat of arms of the Conservatoire National de Musique on the back, it was given to Mr André Brugger, a pupil of the famous violinist and teacher Jules Boucherit (1877-1962), when he won his first prize in 1932.

The violin has been carefully preserved by the family ever since and is currently in excellent condition, ready to be played.

Beautiful violin by Albert Caressa (1866-1939)
Made in Paris in 1926, number 140
With original Albert Caressa label and iron marks inside
Magnificent coat of arms on the back of the Conservatoire National de Musique for Mr André Brugger
Excellent condition
Ready to play
356 mm on the back
Estimate: 8000 - 9000 €

For more information, click here

Upcoming auction
Monday 27 November 2023 at 14:30

Contact
Hector Chemelle
+33 7 69 02 70 85
chemelle@aguttes.com