Unfortunately no original medieval lutes survived, so we have to rely on written and iconographic sources.
One of the first descriptions of a lute was made in 1440 by a Dutch scholar, Henri Arnaut de Zwolle, who worked at the French court in Paris.
– The Jheronimus Bosch Lute –
454 mm string length, A-tuning
This 5 course model can be seen as a transition model between the 4 course and 6 course lute, roughly the late 15th and early 16th century. It was inspired by the depictions of lutes in Bosch paintings.
The instrument was made as part of a research project after early lute making methods and techniques. It was also part of the celebrations of the 5th centennial of the passing of this great master. To commemorate his work the rose and soundboard were decorated with figures from Bosch’ paintings.
The Dutch Luthier 