European fame
The Ruckers family were renowned throughout Europe. Many well-known Baroque composers played on a Ruckers harpsichord, or a model directly based on it. They created an elegant but understated harpsichord that produced a bright, warm sound thanks to its ingenious internal construction.
We have two Ruckers harpsichords in our collection that have been recognised by Flanders as masterpieces: an instrument from 1615 that had two keyboards, and one from 1644 that is on display in the Snijders&Rockox House.
Rare and authentic
The Ruckers example from 1615 is one of the rare transposing harpsichords preserved in Flanders. The instrument had two keyboards, so it was possible to transpose it. This meant that each note of the original composition could be raised or lowered by the same number of semitones or whole tones.
The dating on the soundboard makes it possible to determine with certainty that this type of instrument was built from 1615 onward. Another unique feature is that the harpsichord has not undergone any major restorations. It is therefore one of the most authentic of its kind. The harpsichord more than likely came from Saint James' Church in Antwerp, making it a unique witness to a historical musical practice.
The music room of Gaspar Duarte
The Ruckers harpsichord from 1644 provides exceptional informational value and has undergone few major renovations. The instrument is signed on the nameplate frame: 'ANDREAS RUCKERS DEN OUDEN ME FECIT ANTVERPIÆ'. The nameplate itself is decorated with printed paper and the soundboard is painted with flowers and birds. Today you can find this harpsichord in the music room of Gaspar Duarte in the Snijders-Rockox House. Extraordinary instruments, rare paintings and the music of Gaspar's daughter Leonora Duarte allow you to discover the sound of 17th-century Antwerp.
Flemish masterpiece
The two harpsichords by Andreas Ruckers are among our masterpieces, and are on the Flemish Masterpiece List:
