Jacques Barbe Sr.

[Bacon]

Interesting fiddle came in the shop recently. Henley says the maker was a proprietor of a regimental canteen for some years and made instruments at each place the garrison was stationed. This one was branded J.BARBE PERE. Anyone else seen any other of Barbe's instruments painted? Jacques lived from 1800-1868. As Napoleon died in 1821 perhaps the scene was to glorify times past, a gift for a senior officer?

[fiddlecollector]

Interesting fiddle came in the shop recently. Henley says the maker was a proprietor of a regimental canteen for some years and made instruments at each place the garrison was stationed. This one was branded J.BARBE PERE. Anyone else seen any other of Barbe's instruments painted? Jacques lived from 1800-1868. As Napoleon died in 1821 perhaps the scene was to glorify times past, a gift for a senior officer?

Thanks for posting the photo, i like the violin,even though i dont usually like decorated instruments.The colours are faded /subdued which makes it look ok.Its obviously someones attempt at the famous 1801 David portrait of Napoleon.

Is the brand anything like this?

[Bacon]

Thank you for identifying the source of the image. The brand is different from the more common brand you have supplied but perhaps earlier. Nice bass, It brings into question of how does a luthier remain mobile and drag around the tools and materials for making such a large instrument in the 19th century.