ABSTRACT
Peace will descend from the heavens on a cloud with twelve Virtues to judge the competition between four gods, each vying for the favour of the Prince. The concept of a lengthy and elaborately choreographed ballet as an integral part of court spectacle also lies at the heart of the French ballet de court tradition. Given the atmosphere of emulation and competition which pervaded the cultural relations between Paris and Florence, so closely linked as they were by dynastic alliances, it seems implausible that later developments in Medici court entertainments were unknown at the French court. Developments in both court music and balletic spectacle would also have been familiar to Marie from personal contact with other Italian artists and musicians. During the second and third decades of the seventeenth century, equestrian ballets, staged feats of arms, and tourneys became increasingly common at court, particularly as entertainment for distinguished state visitors.
