Public domain
Bass Viol
From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
The pardessus de viole was held between the legs and played with a bow. In the early 18th century, the instrument was popular in France among amateur musicians, especially aristocratic ladies. It was considered a good alternative to the violin, which was deemed unsuitable for a lady due to its association with dance music and the ungainly posture required to play it.
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own descriptionCredit linePardessus de viole. c. 1730 - c. 1750. Paulus Alletsee. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.
