Joseph Hel (b. 1842, Mazirot, Vosges, d. 1902 Lille France) is one of the most prominent French violin makers in the latter half of the 19th century.  At the age of 14, he apprenticed with Francois Salzard at Mirecourt for seven years.  Hel continued his education in the workshops of Sebastien Vuillaume and Nicolas Darche.  Continuing his meteoric success, Hel opened his Lille workshop in 1865 and was honored with awards from both European and American string exhibitions.  Hel was credited with over 800 instruments. The 1897 number 140 violin is modeled after the work of Santo Seraphim. This magnificent violin feels as if it is a natural extension of the left arm and fingers.  The sound is structured, complex, and powerful.  Upon choosing the music you want to play, the violin will speak with a lovely velvet finish, respond with raw intensity, or sweet lyricism when asked for by the bow. The Hel will be a wonderful companion for a professional or ardent violinist seeking a violin for solo, orchestral, or chamber music performance.