Caspar Borbon

History

Caspar Borbon (circa 1673-1705) worked in Brussels, Belgium, and is recognized as an interesting and important maker of the early Flemish school. According to Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, he was already listed in the court chapel's records as a "reparatteur des instruments" in 1673 and was likely the son of Peter Borbon. From 1701, he also began to write his name as Bourbon.

Craft

• Influence: His work was apparently influenced by Gasparo da Salò, a characteristic noted by John Dilworth, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, and Cecie Stainer.
• Craftsmanship: Borbon exhibited fine craftsmanship and finish, with his work betraying a skilled hand.
• Varnish: He utilized a rich, well-textured varnish that appeared in various shades, including deep orange-red, as well as yellow or red.
• Arching: Instruments typically featured a very full, rounded arch.
• Soundholes: His soundholes were prominent, wide-set, and curving, often described as widely opened or perpendicular.
• Scroll: The volute of the scroll on his instruments had a wide second turn.
• Instruments: He made violins, violas, cellos, pochettes, and viols, and Cecie Stainer also mentions double-basses.

Influence

• Stylistic Influence: Caspar Borbon's work shows a clear influence from Gasparo da Salò, as noted by multiple historians including John Dilworth, Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, and Cecie Stainer.

Legacy

• Extant Instruments: Two violins dated 1694 and 1698 are known to be extant. A very fine viola from 1692 is also recorded in original condition.
• Museum Holdings: A cello from 1682 made by Borbon is preserved in the Brussels Music Museum.
• Exhibitions: An alto, described as curiously made with yellow varnish, was exhibited in Paris in 1878.

Further Information

• Labels: A viola is labelled "Gaspar Borbon, 1689, tot Bruessel". The cello in the Brussels Music Museum bears the label "Gaspar Borbon tot Brussel, 1682".

Summary

Caspar Borbon (circa 1673-1705) was an important maker of the early Flemish school, working in Brussels, Belgium. He was noted as a "reparatteur des instruments" by 1673 and later also used the name Bourbon. His craftsmanship was fine, characterized by a rich, well-textured varnish, full arching, prominent soundholes, and a distinctive scroll. Borbon produced a range of instruments including violins, violas, cellos, pochettes, viols, and double-basses, showing influence from Gasparo da Salò. Several of his instruments, such as violins from 1694 and 1698, a 1692 viola, and a 1682 cello in the Brussels Music Museum, are known to be extant.