Antoine Marius Richelme

History

Antoine Marius RICHELME (1833-1896) was born in 1833 and died in 1896 in Marseille, France. He was a pupil of Yong in Marseille in 1850. Subsequently, he worked for Luppi-Coviaux, manufacturers of tailpieces and chinrests, etc., and also for Coviaux Sippy and Daniel, as noted by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. Richelme established himself independently in 1867. His early work was finely achieved and based on classical models. Later, from 1883, he developed his own 'Modèle Richelme', which was essentially a viol form adapted to the violin, applying the theoretical acoustical ideas of Savart. These models often featured carved heads in place of scrolls, though they did not sustain their initial success. A Stradivari model violin by Richelme, featuring picturesque carving on the back and gold leaf on the edges, is preserved in the Marseilles Museum. He was the author of Études et observations sur la lutherie ancienne et moderne (Marseille, 1868) and Renaissance du Violon et de ses Analogues (Marseille, 1873).

Craft

• Early Work: His early work was finely achieved and based on classical models, as noted by John Dilworth.
• Modèle Richelme: From 1883, he developed his 'Modèle Richelme', which adapted the viol form to the violin, incorporating the theoretical acoustical ideas of Savart. These instruments often featured carved heads instead of scrolls.
• Design Philosophy: Cecie Stainer notes that he greatly modified the curves of the upper and lower bouts of his instruments, almost returning to the ancient viol-shape. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff adds that he believed the salvation of his art lay in returning to the old viol form, and his viol-form instruments are characterized by a full sound.
• Workmanship: Henri Poidras observed that while the pattern of his instruments was not always pleasing, the work was good, and the heads were often carved or ornamented.
• Specific Instrument: A Stradivari model violin by Richelme, with picturesque carving on the back and gold leaf on the edges, is preserved in the Marseilles Museum.

Influence

• Teacher: He was a pupil of Yong in Marseille in 1850, as stated by John Dilworth and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff.
• Early Employment: He worked for Luppi-Coviaux, manufacturers of tailpieces and chinrests, etc., and also for Coviaux Sippy and Daniel, according to John Dilworth and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff respectively.

Legacy

• Successor: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff identifies Diter as his successor.
• Museum Preservation: A Stradivari model violin by Richelme is preserved in the Marseilles Museum.

Further Information

• Publications: He authored Études et observations sur la lutherie ancienne et moderne (Marseille, 1868) and Renaissance du Violon et de ses Analogues (Marseille, 1873), both published in Marseille.
• Motto: A Latin motto, 'Humanas voce meis in fibris quatuor invenies', was applied to the ribs of his instruments.
• Internal Inscriptions: Instruments were internally inscribed with phrases such as 'Fait à Marseille 1886, Richelme' and 'Fait par Marius Richelme / Auteur et observations sur la / lutherie ancienne et moderne / No. 10.. S.C.P. composition'.

Summary

Antoine Marius RICHELME (1833-1896) was a French luthier from Marseille, a pupil of Yong, who established his independent workshop in 1867. He is known for developing the 'Modèle Richelme' from 1883, which adapted the viol form to the violin, often featuring carved heads and incorporating theoretical acoustical ideas. His early work followed classical models, and he published significant treatises on lutherie, including Études et observations sur la lutherie ancienne et moderne (1868) and Renaissance du Violon et de ses Analogues (1873). A Stradivari model violin by Richelme is preserved in the Marseilles Museum.