Pieter Rombouts

History

Pieter ROMBOUTS (1667-1728) was born in 1667 and died in 1728 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Sources contain conflicting information regarding his active period; John Dilworth states his life dates as 1667-1728, while Cecie Stainer indicates he was active in Amsterdam about 1705-35. He was the pupil and step-son of Hendrik Jacobs, and was active in Jacobs' workshop from approximately 1685. Rombouts later established himself independently, first in Sint Antoniessbreestraat, and subsequently in Botermarkt. His workshop continued in business after his death.

Craft

• Instruments Made: Pieter Rombouts independently made violins, violas, cellos, pochettes, and viols. Cecie Stainer also mentions six-stringed bass viols, while Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes Kniegeigen (knee fiddles), Gamben (viols), and Nonnengeigen (nuns' fiddles). Most, if not all, cellos bearing the Jacobs label can be ascribed to Rombouts.
• Craftsmanship: His work is characterized by very fine craftsmanship and neat finish (Cecie Stainer). Willibald Leo Lütgendorff describes his work as sorgfältig (careful).
• Varnish: He developed a style featuring a deep, thick red varnish. Other descriptions include "brilliant but rather thick varnish" (Cecie Stainer), "flaky" (George Hart), and "bei aller Leuchtkraft etwas zu dick" (despite all luminosity, somewhat too thick) (Willibald Leo Lütgendorff).
• Models and Design: Early work was similar to Jacobs', but he developed a more independent style. He utilized both Amati and later Stainer models. His instruments generally feature quite broad patterns and a full arch. The soundholes are widely spaced. The whalebone purfling is very wide and set quite close to the edge in a deep channel. Corners are relatively short. The scrolls have a tight, well-regulated volute with an extended final turn. The pegbox is deeply fluted and broad across the back. Some instruments feature carved lion heads.

Influence

• Mentorship: Pieter Rombouts was the pupil and step-son of Hendrik Jacobs. His early work showed similarities to Jacobs' style.
• Assistants: He was possibly assisted by H. Ravekens and C. Beeringer in his workshop.

Legacy

• Collections and Museums: A violin from 1712 was part of the Scheurleer collection. Berlin possesses a Kniegeige from 1708. The Selhof'sche Auctionsverzeichniss (1759) lists three Kniegeigen by him from the years 1703, 1719, and 1720. Gamben and Nonnengeigen by Rombouts are housed in the Museum des Liceo filarm. in Bologna, and a Nonnengeige is in the same museum in Naples.

Further Information

• Workshop Locations: Pieter Rombouts' workshop was located in Sint Antoniessbreestraat, and later in Botermarkt, Amsterdam.
• Labels: Examples of his labels include "Pieter Rombouts Amsterdam. 1714" and "Pieter Rombouts, Amsterdam, 1708."

Summary

Pieter Rombouts (1667-1728) was an influential Dutch luthier from Amsterdam, known for his fine craftsmanship and independent style. As the pupil and step-son of Hendrik Jacobs, he initially worked in Jacobs' workshop before establishing his own, producing a wide range of instruments including violins, violas, cellos, and viols. He developed a distinctive style characterized by broad patterns, a full arch, and a deep, thick red varnish, often incorporating Amati and Stainer models. His instruments are found in notable collections and museums, reflecting his significant contribution to violin making.