François Fent
Violin maker
(1733 – 1796)
François Fent was a pupil of A. Gedler and moved to Paris around 1760, working in Montmartre near the rue du Mail or cul-de-sac St Pierre. He altered his name to the French version but used the description 'Deutser' or 'Deitscher' on some labels. In about 1783, his nephews Johann and Bernhard Simon joined him. Johann passed away in 1789, while Bernhard continued as his assistant until his death in 1796, after which he relocated to London. Within the context of the pre-revolutionary Paris school, Fent was an exceptionally advanced and sophisticated maker, serving as a precursor to Pique and Lupot, and certainly exerting a strong influence on them. His work followed a Stradivari model, appearing somewhat raw compared to later pieces, yet it remained authentic and vivid. The soundholes were slightly upright and widely set, featuring rich, complex red-brown or amber varnish.
Price History
- The auction record for this maker is $11,544 in Mar 2015, for a violin.
- 18 auction price results.
View all auction prices for François Fent
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