This fascinating luthier had an interesting but sadly brief career. Born in Saint-Remy near Mirecourt, Renaudin went to Paris at age 16, doing his apprenticeship there rather than in his native Mirecourt. He was appointed luthier to the Paris Conservatory and is known to have made a cello for Luigi Boccherini. He was a victim of the French Revolution in 1795.

While the body of this viola is only 15 ½ inches and very comfortable to play, it has a wonderful big sound that one would associate with a much bigger instrument that projects well and is a joy to play. This wonderful viola is in remarkable condition for an almost 250 year old viola in that there are no cracks!  Formerly in The Millant collection.