LUPOT, NICHOLAS

, son of Francois, born at Stuttgard, 1758; went to Orleans, 1786, and Paris, 1794; died 1824. This artiste deserves the title of the King of the French makers. He followed the model of Stradiuarius, used excellent wood and good varnish, much in the style of that master. His violins are very fine in tone and resemble the Italian more than any other maker's. Tolbecque, the violinist has two very fine specimens. His instruments have been frequently selected by the French Conservatoire as prizes for their pupils. They now fetch high prices. Dubourg calls him "a studious artist, whose instruments are in request when a good Cremona is unattainable." He also says, "sixty guineas have been refused for one of his best violins." Spohr in his "Violin School," also recommends his instruments. This artiste published a work on the construction of violins, called "La Chelonomie, on le parfait Luthier."