Pardessus de viole, Paulus Alletsee (attributed to), c. 1730 - c. 1750
spruce, maple, ebony, beech, ivory, gut, l 59.0cm × w 19.0cm × d 13.0cm More details
The pardessus de viole was held between the legs and played with a bow. This instrument was fashionable among amateur performers, especially aristocratic ladies, in France in the early 18th century. Indeed the pardessus was a good alternative to the violin. The latter was considered inappropriate for a lady as it was associated with dance music and required an ungraceful posture to play it.
