The Death of an Artist

Initially, Jean-Marie Leclair's narrative was one of remarkable success. He was born in Lyon in 1697 and began his career as a lacemaker before learning dancing. Then he turned to music and established himself as one of the most outstanding violinists of his time, even being dubbed the "French Corelli." By his 50s, Leclair had established himself as a renowned composer who frequently performed for European royalty. In 1758, his life took a turn for the worst. After his second marriage dissolved, Leclair chose to relocate to a small house in a seedy neighborhood of Paris. This was strange because the composer could undoubtedly afford considerably better living conditions.

On the evening of October 22, 1764, his life ended unexpectedly. As he returned home, Leclair was stabbed three times and killed in his vestibule. The gardener discovered him the next morning, and despite the fact that the Parisian police started an inquiry into Leclair's death, they never found out who killed him. His nephew was a popular suspect, as was Leclair's ex-wife, or perhaps a random attack, but the murderer's exact identity remains unknown.

Informations about Jean-Marie Leclair:

Date/place of birth: May 10, 1697, Lyon, France
Date of death: October 22, 1764, Paris, France