Johannes Theodorus Cuypers

The Cuypers are an important family of makers known as the "Dutch Stradmasters."

Its founder, Johannes Theodor, was born in 1724 in Dornick, Germany (near the Dutch border).

He moved to The Hague around 1750 and is thought to have learned string instrument making from Jean Joseph Wattier (c. 1724-1755), who was active in The Hague, or Joseph Boussu (f.c. 1749-1780), who was active in Brussels.

The early Cuypers are very elegant in design, and show an affinity with the style of Louis Guersan (1713-1781 bc?) around 1760 and Boussu around 1750.

Cuypers then began to make string instruments in a style different from that of previous violin makers in The Hague.

It features flat arching reminiscent of Stradivarius, with slightly spaced F-holes, an elongated oval scroll, and a shallow spine.

He used locally sourced materials and preferred solid wood for the top (as did his sons).

It is believed that a varnish that dries quickly was used to allow for prolific production, and a golden yellow varnish with a shellac-like texture was used.

There is a handwritten label inside.

Johannes Theodor had two sons, Bernard (Johannes Bernardus Cuypers 1781-1840) and Francis (Johannes Franciscus Cuypers 1766-1828), who supported their father's work throughout their lives.

Many excellent violin makers were born in the Netherlands, from Jacobs (Hendrik Jacobs 1629-1699) in the 17th century to Cuypers in the 18th century.

Quote《The Brompton's Book of Violin and Bow Makers》》《400years Violinmaking in the Netherlands》