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Ball of the Burning Men, 1393. (c1470)
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Ball of the Burning Men, 1393. (c1470)
Ball of the Burning Men, 1393. (c1470). In 1393, Isabeau de Baviere organised a celebration of the marriage of one of her ladies-in-waiting. Her husband Charles VI and others dressed up as wild men in costumes of cloth soaked in resinous wax or pitch covered with hemp so that they appeared shaggy and hairy from head to foot. Despite a ban on torches in the room, the kings brother, Louis of Valois, approached with a lighted torch and one of the dancers caught fire, causing panic. The Duchesse de Berry hid the king under her dress and saved his life. Four of the others died. This incident became known as the Bal des Ardents (the Ball of the Burning Men ). Illustration from Jean Froissarts Chronicles, in the collection of the Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris
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Media ID 14870914
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Accident Ball Burning Candle Candles Chandelier Charles Vi Duchess Duke Of Orleans Fancy Dress Flame Flames Froissart Hairy Incident Jean Jean Froissart King Charles Vi King Of France Party Protecting Savage Saved Saving Skirt Torch Veil Wild Wimple Wittelsbach Baviere Fourteenth Century Headgear Isabeau De Baviere Print Collector3
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The print titled "Ball of the Burning Men, 1393" captures a dramatic incident that took place during a celebration organized by Isabeau de Baviere in 1393. The event was held to commemorate the marriage of one of her ladies-in-waiting and featured extravagant costumes. King Charles VI and others dressed up as wild men, donning shaggy and hairy outfits made from cloth soaked in resinous wax or pitch covered with hemp. However, tragedy struck when Louis of Valois, the king's brother, approached with a lighted torch despite a ban on torches in the room. One of the dancers caught fire, causing panic among the attendees. In this chaotic moment, Duchess de Berry bravely hid King Charles VI under her dress to save his life while four unfortunate individuals lost their lives. This incident became famously known as "the Ball of the Burning Men". The illustration from Jean Froissart's Chronicles depicts this horrifying event and is now part of the collection at Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris. The image showcases not only the lavish costumes worn by participants but also highlights themes such as accident, protection, bravery, and tragedy. It provides us with a glimpse into medieval festivities and reminds us that even amidst celebrations filled with joy and merriment, unexpected events can unfold with devastating consequences.
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