Museums

Museum Vleeshuis - Double bass 1647

For the history of this beautiful building we would like to refer to the Museum’s website. It was founded in 1913 and within its walls is a beautiful, rich collection of objects. "Sound of the City" is one of the beautiful themes presented by the museum. The musical history of the city of Antwerp, throughout the centuries, is vividly shown.

The musical instrument shown is a double bass from the year 1647 and was made by Master Peter Borlon. The Borlon Family was a distinguished family of musicians and instrument makers. Peter Borlon was even Dean of the Guild. This double bass is the oldest known in the world. It is also known it was used to accompany the Gregorian music in the rood screen of the Antwerp cathedral. We show this double bass by kind courtesy of the Museum Vleeshuis. Website: www.museumvleeshuis.be

On the back is an interesting inscription.           The text is written in Latin: ANTVERPIAE IN SANCTAE MARIAE VIRGINIS UNO ALTEROQUE AEVO JEHOVAE LAUDES CANTAVI © Museum Vleeshuis Free translation: Antwerp, by the Holy Virgin Mary to eternity I have sung the Praise of Jehovae It is thought that one of the musicians made the inscription. An interesting point about the Divine name here is that, although it is written in Latin, the name starts with a 'J'. The letter 'J' is not used in Latin.

 

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