A Master of the French Baroque Bow

Michel Collichon was not a visual artist in the traditional sense, but rather a master luthier whose artistry resided in the creation of exquisite musical instruments. Operating in Paris during the late seventeenth century, he belonged to a prominent family of instrument makers, the son of Nicolas Colichon. His workshop flourished during the height of the Baroque era, a period defined by the opulent and refined aesthetic of the reign of Louis XIV. While his father’s legacy remains largely lost to time, Michel’s work survives as a profound testament to Parisian craftsmanship, bridging the gap between structural innovation and musical elegance.

Innovation and Craftsmanship

The surviving works of Collichon reveal an artisan of immense intelligence, creativity, and confidence. He was an enigma among French viol makers, known for a style that synthesized various musical traditions, including English, North-Alpine, and local French influences. His technical mastery is particularly evident in his construction of the soundboard; unlike the seven-part technique common in England, Collichon utilized a five-part construction, demonstrating a unique approach to the architecture of sound. His instruments were characterized by:

• A remarkable use of exotic woods, such as walnut or cedrela, chosen for their resonance and visual splendor.
• Intricate embellishments, including tailpieces lined with rosewood and adorned with delicate brass floral motifs.
• The daring implementation of slanted bass bars to accommodate the increased width required for a seventh string.

A Lasting Musical Legacy

Though only a handful of his instruments have survived to the present day, each piece serves as a vital historical document. His work was deeply intertwined with the musical life of his era, as he moved in circles that included legendary composers and players such as Jean de Sainte-Colombe and Jean Rousseau. This connection ensured that his instruments were not merely objects of beauty but functional tools for the most sophisticated musical expressions of the French court. The historical significance of Collichon lies in his role as a master innovator who was unafraid to experiment with new ideas, from varying soundbox lengths to adapting traditional designs for contemporary needs. Whether through the creation of a seven-string bass viol or the subtle preservation of carved heads during instrument conversions, his work embodies the spirit of an era where technical precision and artistic soul were inextricably linked. His surviving gambas remain among the finest examples of the viol in the world, preserved in prestigious collections such as the Musée de la Musique in Paris and the Musée d’Art in Geneva.