Pascal Taskin; harpsichord; wood; bones; div. wood; bone; gold and silver paint; gouache and oil paint; metal; string wire; leather; felt; part (body): length: 2262 mm; width: 964 mm; height: 296 mm; weight: 54.1 kg; engraving: on the soundpost REFAIT PAR PASCAL TASKIN A PARIS 1787; musical instruments; keyboard instruments; royal court; courtiers; entourage; tower; castle; palace; gardens and parks; making music; dance (at festivities); ornaments; cupids; putti; Louis XVI; The instruments of harpsichord maker Pascal Taskin represent a highlight of French harpsichord making in the second half of the 18th century. Century. This two-manual instrument pretends to be the reconstruction of an old Dutch instrument from the famous workshop of the Flemish Ruckers family. Their harpsichords were particularly precious. The Dutch scene of the 17th century; which shows the lid painting; is supposed to prove this origin among other details. In contrast; the fine chinoiseries in gold and silver on the outer surfaces of the harpsichord are very much in keeping with contemporary taste.