Jean-Claude Goujon

Jean-Claude Goujon (fl. 1743—1758) was a French harpsichord maker active in Paris. A few surviving contemporary sources indicate Goujon was a prolific builder, making harpsichords and spinets but primarily known for renovating and, according to later researchers, faking older Ruckers instruments. A few extant examples include his "pseudo-1590 Ruckers" harpsichord from 1749 at Musée De La Musique in Paris or ca.1749 double-manual harpsichord with "1590 Hans Ruckers" inscription identified as Goujon's work by Grant O'Brien. In the XVIII century, however, the definition of historical "replica" versus "fake" differed from modern standards. Unlike contemporary masters who would replicate the style and typeset of original nameplates but always include their real names and actual production dates, the 1750s makers in Europe wouldn't hesitate to build 100% identical replicas, sometimes signing and dating them discreetly — see, for instance, the "1632 Ioannes Ruckers" harpsichord by Jean-Claude Goujon that have "IG" initials and the actual production date, 1757, stamped at the bottom keylever.