The Fétique Family: A Dynasty of French Bow Makers
The Fétique name is one of the most significant in the world of French bow making. Spanning several generations, the family produced bows and instruments that range from fine concert-quality examples to more affordable trade bows. While some makers are better known than others, together they represent a fascinating slice of French lutherie from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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Charles Claude Fétique (1853–1911)
The patriarch of the family, Charles Claude was primarily a violin maker rather than a bow maker. He was the father of three sons who each pursued the craft in different ways: Victor François, Jules, and Louis (André Louis).
Although his own work is less widely known, Charles Claude’s legacy lives on through his children. Auction records for his violins remain modest — around $2,963 (2008) — compared with the bows his sons would later produce.
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Victor François Fétique (1872–1933)
The eldest son, Victor, trained first with Miquelot before joining Caressa & Français in 1901. He signed his work “Vtor Fétique à Paris”, often reflecting the style of François Nicolas Voirin.
Victor’s output was wide-ranging:
• His finest bows in gold and tortoiseshell can be stunning, with strong playability and refinement.
• Some of his work was in trade-quality bows, often made for him by other makers.
• Later bows, produced in collaboration with his nephew André Richaume, are considered excellent.
Auction prices reflect this wide spectrum, ranging from affordable trade bows to record sales such as $30,856 for a violin bow and $45,000 for a viola bow.
Victor’s son, Marcel Fétique (1899–1977), also carried the craft forward. His bows were stamped “Mcel Fétique à Paris” and show some influence from E.A. Ouchard in his later work. Marcel’s bows achieve respectable sales today, with a record around $9,970.
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Jules Fétique (1875–1951)
Jules, Victor’s younger brother, is sometimes called the “poor man’s Sartory”. His career reflects a close association with the leading makers of his time:
• 1902: Joined Eugène Sartory’s Paris workshop.
• 1912: Worked for Caressa & Français.
• 1934: Entered into partnership with André Dugad, and his style began to be more influenced by Dominique Peccatte.
Jules’ bows are admired for their craftsmanship and accessibility. They remain more affordable than Sartory’s, but nonetheless desirable. Auction records include a $48,004 violin bow.
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Louis (André Louis) Fétique
Another son of Charles Claude, Louis (also known as André Louis) was a violin maker, though less celebrated than his brothers. His role in the family’s history highlights the Fétiques’ versatility, spanning both instrument and bow making.
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A Family Legacy
The Fétique family illustrates the breadth of French bow making in the early 20th century: from fine individual craftsmanship to high-quality trade bows that supplied a growing market of players.
For today’s musicians and collectors, Fétique bows can represent both value and artistry. While Jules’ and Victor’s finest bows can command significant auction prices, their broader output also means that it’s still possible to find an authentic French bow from a great workshop at a more approachable cost.
Whether stamped by Victor, Jules, or Marcel, Fétique bows carry forward a family name that deserves its place in the rich tradition of French lutherie.
Cantabile Collection Highlight:
We are pleased to offer a fine silver-mounted violin bow by Victor Fétique, dating from the golden period of his Paris atelier. Selected for its tonal flexibility, elegant balance, and clear lineage to the finest traditions of French craftsmanship.
