A Cello Bow by François Xavier Tourte Sells for a World Record Price at Auction
A cello bow crafted by François Xavier Tourte in the early 19th century recently achieved a remarkable price at an auction in France. The bow, created between 1815 and 1820, sold for €375,000 at the Vichy Enchères auction house, setting a new world record for a cello bow. This bow is notable for its two engravings: 'UBER' and 'K.A.B', which identify its former owner, the cellist Karl Alexander Benjamin Uber (1783–1824).
Crafted from pernambuco, the bow features an octagonal button, a silver headplate, and a Parisian eye with ebony, indicating the beginning of Tourte's 'golden period'. Alexander Uber was a celebrated cellist of his time, embarking on his first concert tour in Germany at just 21 years old and achieving great success. He later became Kapellmeister in several German ensembles and was also a renowned composer, with works including a Cello Concerto in G major dedicated to his friend Carl Maria von Weber. He also composed overtures for orchestra, various lieder, and chamber music pieces. His reputation extended to arranging or transcribing works by composers like Mozart and Beethoven, as evidenced by published editions and correspondence with Schott Music.
Interestingly, this sale follows a similar record-breaking event. In 2017, a violin bow made by F.X. Tourte sold for €576,000 at the same auction house, Vichy Enchères. These sales highlight the enduring value and historical significance of Tourte's instruments, which continue to captivate collectors and musicians alike.
