Egidius Snoeck (Schnoeck)
worked 1700–1736
Egidius Snoeck (circa 1700-1736) was a distinguished luthier based in Brussels, Belgium, who held the esteemed position of luthier to the court. Descending from a lineage of organ builders, he is recognized as a pupil and successor of Pierre Bourbon, whose craftsmanship he closely emulated. Snoeck's instruments are noted for their high quality, often adhering to or being inspired by the Amati model, and feature a distinctive red-brown varnish. His construction methods included setting ribs into grooves around the inner edges of the back. His legacy includes instruments housed in prominent collections, such as the Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels, and he is an ancestor of the renowned collector César Charles Snoeck.
Auction price history
Highest auction price
| Type | Details | Sold | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Violin | 1731 | April 1987 | £3,300 |
Maker Overview
Life
Egidius SNOECK (SCHNOECK) (circa 1700-1736) worked in Brussels, Belgium, and was appointed luthier to the court. He stemmed from a family of organ builders in Tournai, a lineage that dates back to the 16th century. Lütgendorff also states that Egidius Snoeck can rightly be considered a pupil and successor of Pierre Bourbon, whose works are very similar. The collector and cataloguer César Charles Snoeck (1834-1898) was a descendant of Egidius Snoeck.
Characteristics
- Workmanship
- Instruments produced by Egidius Snoeck are well made, often approaching the Amati model or described as Amatisé pattern, and John Dilworth. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff notes that his violins show very commendable work.
- Varnish
- His varnish is noted as red-brown and of good quality, and Willibald Leo Lütgendorff. John Dilworth specifies a strong red varnish.
- Construction
- John Dilworth notes that, as with others of this school, the ribs are set into grooves cut around the inner edges of the back.
- Known Instruments
- Instruments known include violins, a tenor viola, and a bass. A half violoncello from the Snoeck collection is now in Berlin.
- Labels
- Known labels include " Egidius Snoeck tot Brussel, 1731" and "Egidius Snoek à Bruxelles, 1727".
Influence and legacy
- Mentorship: Egidius Snoeck was a pupil of Borbon, and a pupil and successor of P. Borbon.
- School: Willibald Leo Lütgendorff suggests that Snoeck's work is very similar to Pierre Bourbon's, supporting the idea of him being a successor.
- Museum Holdings: A violin by Egidius Snoeck is owned by Mahillon, and a half violoncello from the Snoeck collection is now in Berlin. The Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels holds violins dated 1714 and 1727, a tenor viola, and a bass dated 1734.
- Family Legacy: The collector and cataloguer César Charles Snoeck (1834-1898) was a descendant of Egidius Snoeck.
Biographies
The overview above is drawn from the following published accounts. Read them in the original:
John Dilworth+
SNOECK (SCHNOECK), Egidius Worked circa. 1700-1736 Brussels Belgium. From a family of organ builders in Tournai. Pupil and successor of P. Borbon. Appointed luthier to the court. High-built Amatisé pattern with strong red varnish. As with others of this school, the ribs are set into groves cut around the inner edges of the back. The collector and cataloguer César Charles Snoeck (1834-1898) was a descendant, and the Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels has violins dated 1714 and 1727, a tenor viola, and a bass dated 1734. Egidius Snoeck tot Brussel, 1731 Egidius Snoek à Bruxelles, 1727
Cecie Stainer+
A maker in Brussels in 1731. Instruments are known of his, which are well made on the Amati pattern, with beautiful red brown varnish. Label: ” Egidius Snoeck tot Brussel, 1731″
Willibald Leo Lütgendorff+
Einer schon im 16. Jahrhundert vorkommenden Instrumentenmacher-(Orgelbauer-) Familie entstammend und ein Vorfahr des vielverdienten Instrumentensammlers C. Snoeck. Egidius Snoeck darf mit Recht für einen Schüler und Nachfolger Pierre Bourbon’s gelten; ihre Arbeiten sind sich sehr ähnlich, und die Jahreszahlen sprechen nicht dagegen. Er war Hof-Lautenmacher; in seinen Geigen, die recht lobenswerthe Arbeit zeigen, nähert er sich dem Amati-Modell. Sein Lack ist rothbraun und von guter Beschaffenheit. Eine Geige von ihm besitzt Mahillon, und ein halbes Violoncello befindet sich aus der Sammlung Snoeck jetzt in Berlin.
Henri Poidras+
Brussels circa 1700 Pupil of Borbon. Amati model. Brown red varnish.
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Pupils
Marcus Snoeck Pupil
Family
Marcus Snoeck Son