Harpsichord

Lacquered harpsichord of gold and black inscribed. Soundboard decorated with inscription, 'IOHANNES RUCKER, ME FECIT ANTWERPIAE 1636' and 'IR' and pierced medallion of gilded seated female figure with lyre. Interior of lid painted with bird scene in the style of Hondecoeter. On beech frame. This harpsichord was believed for many years to have been made by Johannes Rucker (1578-1642), due to the painted inscription on the soundboard. However, the signature and other elements differ greatly to those seen in authentic Ruckers harpsichords, meaning that this inscription was probably added later to increase the value of the instrument. Stylistically, it is most probably Dutch, made in Amsterdam c.1680, by an unknown maker and exported to England in about 1715, when it gained its stand. It is therefore one of the few surviving harpsichords made in Amsterdam before 1700. The painting on the inside of the lid is attributed to Melchior de Hondecoeter (c.1636-1695) who also lived and worked in Amsterdam.