Lupot – aristocratic finesse in the Stradivarian spirit

Lupot – aristocratic finesse in
the Stradivarian spirit
T
he Pohjola Bank Art Foundation’s instrument collection gained an addition in
2004 with the wonderful cello made by Nicholas Lupot (1758–1824), who
was called the “French Stradivari”.
T
his instrument, which was made around 1795 and is in an excellent condition,
is a rare piece as under ten cellos made by Lupot are known to exist, whereas
there may be as many as around 250 violins. Although the instrument dates from
the maker’s early period, its timbre has an unusual, almost aristocratic finesse.
N
icholas Lupot is included among the early instrument makers who understood
the value of Antonio Stradivari. He was the most important French violin
maker of his time and a master to later generations. Lupot’s work was inspired
right from the start by Stradivari, although he didn’t copy him but developed his
own ingenious working methods independently.
T
o Lupot, Stradivari primarily meant inspiration and high quality. Like his
predecessors, Lupot was also able to develop and maintain a high quality
throughout his entire career. There has subsequently been good cause to compare
him to Stradivari. Many of today’s top musicians, who could have obtained any
Italian violin by a master maker, prefer to play a beautifully sounding Lupot.
T
he Art Foundation’s Lupot is currently on loan to Lauri Kankkunen.