Funfair of cup and ball players from all walks

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Funfair of cup and ball players from all walks

Funfair of cup and ball, la foire franche des bilboquets. 17th century satirical print showing people from all walks of life obsessed with the game of bilboquet. Lithograph from Henry Rene Allemagnes Sports and Games of Skill (Sports et Jeux d Adresse), Librairie Hachette, Paris, 1903

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Media ID 23204164

© Florilegius/Mary Evans

Allemagne Ball Dadresse Foire Franche Funfair Jeux Mania Player Rene Satire Skill Games

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EDITORS COMMENTS
Funfair of Cup and Ball: A 17th Century Satire on Human Obsession (La Foire Franche des Bilboquets) This lithograph, titled "La Foire Franche des Bilboquets" or "The Free Fair of Cup and Ball," is an intriguing 17th century satirical print by Henry Rene Allemagne. The image showcases a bustling funfair scene filled with individuals from all walks of life, each intently focused on the ancient game of bilboquet. Bilboquet, a simple game of skill, involves tossing a small ball into a cup, which is balanced on a stick. The challenge lies in maintaining the cup's balance while attempting to throw the ball into it. The game, which originated in France during the 16th century, quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of leisure and entertainment. Henry Rene Allemagne masterfully captures the mania that gripped society during this era, as people from all social classes are depicted, from the nobility to the peasantry, each engrossed in their personal game of bilboquet. The satirical print highlights the universal human tendency to become engrossed in simple pleasures, often to the point of obsession. This illustration is taken from Allemagne's comprehensive work, "Sports et Jeux d'Adresse" or "Sports and Games of Skill," published by Librairie Hachette in Paris in 1903. The lithograph, with its intricate details and vibrant colors, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing the timeless appeal of entertainment and the shared human experience.

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