Šariš Museum

Baptismal Certificate (Extract)

Confirmation certificate

Letter of Citizenship of Bardejov (Extract)

Artistic Certificates

Béla Kéler's "Jacob Stainer" Type Violin

Among the rich collections of the Šariš Museum in Bardejov is an exceptionally valuable relic, one of the most significant surviving physical artifacts associated with Béla Kéler. Surviving historical sources tell us that in 1879 he owned two fine master violins, each of which he valued at the considerable sum of 2,000 Marks at the time. The first was made by the Venetian master Michele Deconet (1713–1790), while the second was attributed to the famous Tyrolean luthier Jacob Stainer (1619–1683). Kéler also used original bows made by François Tourte (1747–1835), who is often referred to as the "Stradivari of the bow" because of the exceptional precision and quality of his work. Kéler's violin associated with Stainer's name, together with two bows, was donated to the City of Bardejov in 2012 by Béla Kéler's descendants, making this rare group of instruments part of the collections of the city and the Šariš Museum.

At first glance, the instrument catches the eye with features typical of the "Stainer" school of violin making, while also displaying details that give it exceptional value as a collector's item. Both the top and back plates feature the prominent, high arching characteristic of Stainer's model. The f-holes are shorter, more upright, and more rounded in their lower sections, giving the instrument a distinctive acoustic and visual character. Instead of the traditional scroll, the pegbox is adorned with a meticulously carved lion's head. Lion's-head carvings appear on instruments associated with the Stainer school and represent one of the striking decorative features of this tradition.

The most fascinating detail of the violin, however, is its back plate, made from a single piece of rare bird's-eye maple (Vogelaugenahorn). The unusual figuring of this wood is a remarkable natural phenomenon that was highly prized in violin making, not only for its aesthetic appeal but also because of the difficulty involved in working it. Such vividly figured maple gives the instrument a distinctive appearance and creates a characteristic optical effect as the surface catches and reflects the light.

The authenticity and precise authorship of historical instruments are frequently the subject of expert examination. In the 19th century, the designation "Stainer" was also applied to instruments based on Stainer's model and to fine works by masters from the South German and Tyrolean schools, including members of the renowned Klotz family of luthiers. Thus, identifying an instrument as a "Stainer" does not automatically mean that it is an original 17th-century work by Jacob Stainer himself. Without an expert organological assessment, it is therefore prudent to leave the question of its precise attribution open.

Medal Litteris et Artibus

The Medal Litteris et Artibus was conferred upon Béla Kéler by King Oscar II of Sweden in 1874. It represents the highest Swedish distinction in the fields of music, dramatic arts, and literature. The obverse side of the medal depicts the portrait of the reigning Swedish monarch, while the reverse bears the Latin inscription Litteris et Artibus, signifying "For Letters and Art." Crafted from gilded silver, the medal continues to be regularly awarded to this day.

"His Majesty the King of Sweden hath been graciously pleased to confer upon me the Golden Medal Litteris et Artibus, suspended from a blue ribbon, bearing His portrait and crown. It is in all likelihood the highest distinction that hath been bestowed upon me in my long and varied artistic career. Were my late parents still living, they would have felt great joy in me. Any sort of medal may be obtained by anyone, but such a medal as this is conferred but rarely. So much the greater is the honor unto me."
— Béla Kéler, 1874