Scan 145
The violin: its famous makers and their imitators, 1875
2 lines. Read by computer on 3 September 2026. Printed page 95. See the scan on archive.org.
1others. They may be divided into three orders, viz., the bonâ fide copyist, the subtle copyist, and the wholesale copyist. The first sets about making his instrument resemble the original as closely as possible, and when completed sends it forth as a copy, and nothing else. Among these legitimate imitators were Lupot, Gand, Vuillaume, and others. The subtle copyist takes advantage of the disturbed styles belonging to Guarnerius, coupled with his misfortunes, manufactures and translates at will. He "spots" a back on an old fiddle in which he sees Guarnerius in embryo; he secures it. In his possession is a belly, which, with a little skilful manoeuvring of sound-holes and corners, may be accommodated to the back. The sides need well matching in point of colour, workmanship is purely secondary. The scroll he sets himself to carve, giving it a hideous, burglar-like appearance, the inevitable label is inserted, and the Violin leaves the translator's hands a "Prison Joseph." Now comes the difficulty. How is this "Joseph," unaccustomed to elbow his legitimate namesakes in the world of fiddles, to maintain the character he has assumed? The subtle copyist puzzles his brain without arriving at anything very satisfactory. He resolves to slip it into a sale of household effects. It is described in the catalogue, in glowing terms, as having been in the possession of Geminiani (he not being alive to dispute the assertion). Previous to the sale the instrument is viewed. The knowing ones pass it
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