Muselar Virginal by Ruckers, I
Maker:
Ruckers, I
Number of manuals:
one
Year:
1622
Museum:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Date Range
1600-1650
Current Location:
North America
Material:
Painter:
Pedals:
Catalogue Number:
BMO-1641
Origin:
Belgium
Type:
Muselar Virginal
The keywell and front of the interior case are decorated with sea-horse patterned block-printed papers, which commonly appear on Ruckers instruments. Block letters on the interior lid papers carry the motto OMNIS SPIRITUS/LAUDET DOMINUM ("Let every spirit praise the Lord"). The original compass was 45 notes C/E to c3, but was enlarged in the eighteenth century to 54 notes with a range from C to f3. The naturals are covered with bones and have embossed parchment fronts. The accidentals are black-stained oak. The soundboard is decorated with painted flowers, fruit, arabesques, and a gilded cast metal rose with the maker's initials IR. Credit: Met Museum