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Violin maker in Lyon
Restrictions imposed by the King of France to
the violin makers of the XVIIIth century.
Saturday July 19th, 11 a.m., Auditorium Fabre Museum
When Braudel and Duby are explaining the evolution of Mediterranean culture and civilization;
they always refer to historical, political or economical factors.
Why would violin making, which is a full-fledged discipline of art, escape from these
influences?
It is generally admitted that, when a country is in peace, art is thriving; and in contrary,
that it is penalized by periods of war.
Although there are exceptions : the Venetian republic had never invested as much in art
as they did in the XVIIIth century, even if it was entrapped and cut off from
its European trade by the Habsbourg dynasty.
In French violin making history, the XVIIIth century is especially marked by the different
political influences which affected and changed its style.
Even if history cannot explain everything – we know that historical theories are regularly
brought into question – Mr Schmitt’s aim will try to parallel the eventful
historical facts from the period and the quick changes in style of violin
making.
The views he will be expressing will be cover more thoroughly in the book which he has bee asked to write next year. His work as a violin maker for many years has taught him that
whatever time we are looking at Italian violin making has always been the
reference for the violin makers of France.
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