Foreword by André Chastel
Art Historian Marie-Françoise Christout observed the evolution of ballet in the French court from 1643 to 1672. Reflecting a courtly, whimsical society, this hybrid genre reached its zenith with Louis XIV who secured its prestige metaphorically speaking.
Based on original sources, this reference work revives a complex art by placing it in the context of public, festive performances, of theories, treaties and contemporary events. Updated and well illustrated, this new edition of Le Ballet de cour de Louis XIV has been enriched with references, illustrations and paintings describing the cast of great 7 ballets.