Violin by Jehanne H. Blaise, Mirecourt c. 1910

Not much is known about Jehanne H. Blaise though enough extant examples have led to a positive attribution. This violin is a nice example of French violinmaking. It features lovely materials from sources near Mirecourt and is generously covered in a rich wine-red varnish. The workmanship is bold and confident in its execution, if a bit solid. Its mature tone is complex and masculine with plenty of warmth. The hand-written label translates roughly to, " at the sign of the good Lorraine, Jahanne H. Blaise, violinmaker of Mirecourt" and features the Cross of Lorraine between the maker's initials H.B. 
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