One of the most consistently accomplished makers of the Peccatte school, admired for precision, strength and exceptional playing qualities.
Maker profile · 06
Current private availability
A bow by Joseph Henry is available.
Price on request. Detailed photographs, the complete description, condition information and the certificate from Cabinet Raffin are provided directly to interested clients.
Available privately · Subject to prior saleCertificate: Cabinet RaffinPrice on request
Joseph Henry was born and received his early training in Mirecourt. In 1837, aged fourteen, he moved to Paris to work for Georges Chanot, producing workshop bows that generally carried the Chanot stamp.
Henry’s mature style developed through his work with Dominique Peccatte. By the middle of the 1840s his personal model was clearly established: heads tended to be squarer with flatter cheeks, frogs shorter, and buttons thicker with a more pronounced flare toward the outer edge.
After Peccatte returned to Mirecourt, Henry entered a brief partnership with Pierre Simon. By 1851 he was again working independently on the rue des Vieux-Augustins. Some of his most distinguished bows date from this period, including fine tortoiseshell-mounted examples supplied to Gand frères from about 1855.
Why this maker matters
A place in the history of the bow.
Henry’s relatively short career produced an unusually high proportion of first-class bows. His work distils the strength of the Peccatte school into a precise and highly controlled personal style respected by both players and connoisseurs.
Characteristics often studied
Square heads with comparatively flat cheeks
Short, carefully shaped frogs
Thicker buttons with a flared outer profile
Consistently high standard of craftsmanship
Workshop, associations & marks
Early work for Georges Chanot
Close association with Dominique Peccatte
Partnership with Pierre Simon, c. 1848–1851
Independent Paris workshop from 1851
Attribution and certification
This profile is an educational introduction. A stamp, model or single construction detail is never sufficient to establish authorship. This bow is accompanied by a certificate from Cabinet Raffin; the certificate and complete private dossier are supplied directly to the prospective client.
Confidential enquiry
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Prices, detailed photographs, the certificate from Cabinet Raffin, condition information and the complete description are provided directly and privately.
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