Neuchâtel Museum of Art and History

The Ruckers harpsichord

The Ruckers harpsichord

This exquisite harpsichord was crafted in Anvers by Johannes Ruckers (the Younger) and dates from 1632. In its original state, it had a single 45-key manual, two registers, and two sets of strings. Today, it is part of the MahN collection. As well as giving the period instrument its own room, the Museum hosts regular live concerts that showcase its musical qualities.

The Ruckers harpsichord

In 1745 the Ruckers harpsichord underwent a grand ravalement, most likely in Paris. By the end of this extensive modernisation process, the instrument had acquired two 58-key manuals and three sets of strings. Both the base and the decorative depictions of Jean de La Fontaine's fables, which are painted on a goldleaf ground, also date from 1745. The paintings on the inside of the lid and part of the soundboard are original (1632). According to the previous owners, the instrument once belonged to Marie-Antoinette, Queen of France, who gave it to Mademoiselle de Trémauville, one of her ladies-in-waiting and fiancée of Lieutenant Georges de Montmollin, who died in Paris on 10 August 1792 during the storming of the Tuileries.

In 1884, a Neuchâtel family donated the historical instrument to the Museum. Thanks to the generosity of the Neuchâtel Rotary Club, it was restored by the Paris-based Ateliers von Nagel in 1986. Since then, the Ruckers harpsichord is played during public concerts which the Museum organises on a regular basis. Some of these performances are also recorded on CD.

2024 annual program

 

 

The Ruckers harpsichord