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Pardessus de Viole

ca. 1750
Not on view
A small treble-range viol called the pardessus was invented in France mid-century, likely to allow women to play music meant for newly popular violins and flutes.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Pardessus de Viole
  • Maker: Nicholas Chappuy (French, Mirecourt 1730–1781 Mirecourt)
  • Date: ca. 1750
  • Geography: Mirecourt, France
  • Culture: French
  • Medium: Wood
  • Dimensions: Overall: 19 x 10 x 56.8cm (7 1/2 x 3 15/16 x 22 3/8in.)

    56.8 cm overall length, 32.6 cm body length (bottom), 15.7 / 10.7 / 19.0 cm width of bouts (bottom), 13.2 cm neck.
  • Classification: Chordophone-Lute-bowed-fretted
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Frederick M. Lehman Bequest, 2006
  • Object Number: 2006.504
  • Curatorial Department: Musical Instruments
More Artwork
Double Bass and Bow, Charles Plumerel  French, wood, brass, French
Probably by Charles Plumerel
mid to late 18th century
Pardessus de Viole, Louis Guersan  French, Wood, French
Louis Guersan
1770
Treble Viol, Jean Villiaume  French, Wood, French
Jean Villiaume
1743
Division Viol, Richard Meares  British, Spruce, ebony, maple, British
labeled Richard Meares
ca. 1680
Quinton d'Amore, Jean Colin  French, Wood, ebony, bone, French
Jean Colin
ca. 1750–1800

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