Violin; Marseille School; second half of the eighteenth century.

Violin; Marseilles School; second half of the 18th century.
Enamelled ceramic.
Measurements: 58 x 19 x 6 cm.
Violin from the 18th century made in Marseilles ceramics. The piece has been designed in glazed ceramic, with a white finish on which different ornaments of oriental inspiration are arranged. The ornamentation features various figurative scenes that allude to popular life shown from a completely idyllic point of view. The use of bright colours and cheerful tones contributes to this characteristic. Such pieces were conceived as luxury objects, exclusive to the finest collections, mostly intended for the court and created by the most renowned craftsmen.
Pottery is one of the typical products of Provence and Marseille. The quality of Marseille ceramics reached its peak between the 16th and 18th centuries. The history of pottery and ceramics in the region dates back to the Neolithic period. Ceramic or porcelain violins made by the leading French potters in Marseille have, since their appearance, constituted a musical treasure trove of chamber ensembles, mostly in the royal courts, true treasures among which a few violins stand out, built in a real challenge to traditional bowed instruments and able to emulate purity.