This spinet or virginal is an exceptional instrument, as it is the only virginal of the Antwerp Ruckers dynasty that has been preserved in this form. This virginal is of the spinet type, where the keyboard is on the left side of the soundboard and the strings are plucked close to the left comb. The polygonal case serves as the sound box. Inside the lid is the motto "SCIENTIA NON HABET INIMICUM NISI IGNORANTEM 1591". The inside is covered with printed paper with a typical motif of stylised seahorses or dolphins. The signature "HANS RUCKER ME FECIT ANTVERPIAE" is a later addition.

MASTERPIECE

Discover more about this masterpiece in the video.