De la saltation théâtrale

François-Henri-Stanislas de L’Aulnaye (1739-1830), De la Saltation théâtrale, ou Recherches sur l’origine, les progrès et les effets de la pantomime chez les anciens [Theatrical Saltation, or Research on the origin, progress, and effects of pantomime among the ancients] (Paris: Barrois l’aîné, 1790). Graphic Arts Collection 2018- in process

 

While the text of this volume tracing the history of dance and ancient pantomime might be interesting, the main event happens at the end with nine brightly colored plates after those by the Italian antiquarian and connoisseur Francesco Ficoroni.

See also: Francesco de Ficoroni (1664-1747), Le maschere sceniche e le figure comiche d’antichi Romani, descritte brevemente da Francesco de’ Ficoroni ([Roma: nella stamperia di Antonio de’ Rossi, 1736]). Marquand Library GT1747 .F5.

 

The plates are:
1. Moriones fire Macci. Ex Museo Florentino, Nos 1 & 2. Saltator believed to be a Luperce.
2. Parody of the Loves of Jupiter and Alcmene, painted on an Etruscan Vase / Socrates sexercant to the saltation, ex Museo Gerlaex.
3. Scene of Etruscan Mimes. Ex Muso Etrusc.
4. Bouffon mime, Parasite.
5. Mime Bouffon.
6. Bouffon mime, Parasite.
7. Mask of Tragic Pantomime. Our 1 & 2.
8. (1) Triple mask of a Woman, a Viellard and a Jester / (2) Mask of Satyr / (3) Double mask of Socrates and Xantippe.
9. Saltator who holds a sort of bagpipe with three mouths.