Smithsonian Museum

National Museum of American History

Description

This instrument was made by Johannes Daniel Dulcken in Antwerp, in 1745. It is a double manual harpsichord with a compass of FF – f3, and a disposition of 2 x 8’, 1 x 4’. The harpsichord has a spruce soundboard with a gilt-metal rose, and ebony naturals and ivory accidentals. The name batten is marked: “IOANNES DANIEL DULCKEN ME FECIT ANTVERPIA, AD 1745”

The inseparable outer case is made of black painted wood with gold accents. The soundboard is painted with floral decorations. The trestle stand is made of 12 turned spindles painted black with gold accents.

Restored to playing condition in 1960-1961, by William Dowd, this Dulcken harpsichord is currently used in concerts and featured on recordings by the Smithsonian Chamber Music Society.

Recordings currently available can be found at the following link:

www.smithsonianchambermusic.org

Location

Currently not on view

Maker

Dulcken, Joannes Daniel

Date Made

1745

Credit Line

Gift of Hugo Worch

Physical Description

wood (overall material)

paint (overall material)

metal (overall material)

Measurements

overall: 36 in x 38 1/2 in x 103 in; 91.44 cm x 97.79 cm x 261.62 cm

Object Type

harpsichord

See more items in

Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments

Music & Musical Instruments

Harpsichords

place made

België: Vlaanderen, Antwerpen

ID Number

MI.315758

Accession Number

65928

Catalog Number

315758