The
masque was a form of festive
courtly entertainment that flourished in 16th and early 17th century Europe, though it was developed earlier in
Italy, in forms including the
intermedio (a public version of the masque was the
pageant). A masque involved music and dancing, singing and acting, within an elaborate
stage design, in which the architectural framing and costumes might be designed by a renowned architect, to present a deferential allegory flattering to the patron. Professional actors and musicians were hired for the speaking and singing parts. Often, the masquers who did not speak or sing were courtiers:
King James I's
queen consort,
Anne of Denmark, frequently danced with her ladies in masques between 1603 and 1611, and
Henry VIII and
Charles I performed in the masques at their courts. In the tradition of masque,
Louis XIV danced in
ballets at
Versailles with music by
Jean-Baptiste Lully.