Virginal & Harpsichord by Ruckers, I

From the late sixteenth century to the middle of the seventeenth century, the Ruckers family of Antwerp produced some of the finest harpsichords and virginals ever made. Their instruments were admired throughout Europe and became a major influence on English, French, and German keyboard makers. Such was their reputation that imitations and even outright forgeries soon began to appear.

Among the most remarkable surviving creations of the Ruckers workshop is this combined harpsichord and virginal, signed in 1619 by Joannes Ruckers, son of the founder, Hans Ruckers. The instrument is housed within a single rectangular case containing both a two-manual harpsichord and a small virginal positioned along the curved side of the larger instrument.

Following the decorative traditions of the Ruckers family, the exterior is embellished with printed paper borders, stylized ornaments, and images of sea horses. The soundboard is painted in tempera with flowers, birds, and insects inspired by contemporary pattern books. The inside of the lid features a painting of Apollo and the Muses. Although added later than the instrument itself, it is based on a work by Maarten de Vos now preserved in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium.

Photo Credit: Daderot Wikicommons