Marcus Snoeck

History

Marcus SNOECK (1694-1762) was born in 1694 and died in 1762 in Brussels, Belgium, according to John Dilworth. He was the son and pupil of Egidius Snoeck, and succeeded him as court luthier. Marcus Snoeck was established at the sign “Au Roi David, près de l’Eglise de St Gery” in Brussels. He is described in contemporary accounts as “faiseur repetitieur et directeur de instruments” as early as 1726, and was also known under the pseudonym “Brochet” or “Broché”, which is the French equivalent of his name and means ‘pike’. He was also a ballet-master and composer. Henri Poidras notes his activity in Brussels circa 1750, while Cecie Stainer indicates he worked in Brussels after 1744. Stainer also mentions an inscription found in a violoncello that had undergone significant repairs, stating: “Cette basse par Marc Snoeck, reparee pour faire voir a ces envieux mon adresse, icy pres de l’Eglise de Saint-Gery a Bruxelles ancien luthier.” This instrument’s original label was dated 1744 by Jean Christophe Vetter of Strasbourg.

Craft

• Workmanship: Marcus Snoeck’s instruments are described as “very good make” by Henri Poidras, and “impressive work” by John Dilworth. Willibald Leo Lütgendorff states that his works “deserve all praise”.
• Characteristics: His instruments are noted for their high arch and deep red varnish, according to John Dilworth.
• Surviving Instruments: The Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels holds a violin, four cellos dated from 1718-1753, and a double bass by Marcus Snoeck. A beautiful violoncello from the Snoeck collection is located in Berlin, as is a bass discovered in Northern France, which bears his pseudonym and shop sign.

Influence

• Training: Marcus Snoeck was the son and pupil of Egidius Snoeck.

Legacy

• Court Appointment: Marcus Snoeck served as luthier to the court.
• Museum Collections: His instruments are preserved in significant collections, including the Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels and the Snoeck collection in Berlin.

Further Information

• Pseudonym: Marcus Snoeck adopted the pseudonym “Broché” or “Brochet”, which is the French equivalent of his name and means ‘pike’.
• Shop Sign: His establishment was known by the sign “Au Roi David, près de l’Eglise de St Gery”.
• Labels: Some labels read “Marcus Broché à Bruxelles / Au roy David, l’an 17..”.
• Repair Inscription: An original inscription from a repaired instrument, shared by Willibald Leo Lütgendorff, reads: “Cette Bas: PAR MARC. SNOECK REPARE POVR FAIER VOIER A CES ENVIEUX. MON ADRESSE EST PRÈS L’EGLISE DE S. GERY A BRVXELLES ANCIEN LUTHIEU. 74.” A slightly varied version is provided by Cecie Stainer.

Summary

Marcus Snoeck (1694-1762) was a distinguished luthier from Brussels, Belgium, and the son and pupil of Egidius Snoeck. He succeeded his father as court luthier and was known for his “impressive work” characterized by a high arch and deep red varnish. Active from at least 1726, he also adopted the pseudonym “Broché” and was recognized as a ballet-master and composer. His instruments, including violins, cellos, and double basses, are preserved in institutions such as the Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels and the Snoeck collection in Berlin.