Basan Francois - La guinguette - Engraving, Public domain image

During Middle Ages, Church considered dance as a sin and condemned it. Records of Medieval dance are fragmented and limited, but a noteworthy dance reference from the medieval period is the allegory of the Danse Macabre. During the Renaissance, dance experienced growing popularity. Country dances, performed for pleasure, became distinct from court dances, which had ceremonial and political functions. In Germany, originated from a modified ländler, the waltz was introduced in all the European courts. The 16th century Queen of France Catherine de' Medici promoted and popularized dance in France and helped develop the ballet de cour. The production of the Ballet Comique de la Reine in 1581 is regarded by scholars as the first authentic ballet. In the 17th century, the French minuet, characterized by its bows, courtesies and gallant gestures, permeated the European cultural landscape.

Ballet origin can be traced to the 17th century's elaborate and flamboyant entertainments celebrating marriages of wealth and power devised at European Royal courts. King Louis XIV of France, known as the Sun King, was a passionate dancer himself. The performances were a mixture of spoken word, music, dance and pantomime. They contained spectacular ceremonial processions with technical effects and extravagant costumes. The scenarios were based by the myths of ancient Greece and Rome or on themes such as the four seasons, the natural world or events happening in distant lands. Costumes were imaginative and fantastical, decorated with symbols designated to help the audience to recognize the characters in the story. The size of these costumes often limited dancers movements.

Born in Paris into a family of artists, he was trained by his father, Jacques-Philippe de Saint-Aubin, a painter and engraver. Gabriel de Saint-Aubin was known for his skill as a draughtsman and his ability to capture the everyday life of Parisian society in his works. He began his career as an engraver, making illustrations for books and prints. He then turned to drawing and painting, creating scenes of everyday life in Paris, such as street vendors, musicians and dancers. His work was characterised by lively and fluid lines that captured the movement and energy of his subjects. Saint-Aubin was also known for his caricatures, which poked fun at the social and political issues of his day. His satirical drawings often featured well-known figures of the day, such as King Louis XV and Madame de Pompadour. In addition to his drawings and paintings, Saint-Aubin was also an accomplished etcher, producing prints that are highly sought after by collectors. His etchings were known for their delicate lines and intricate detail, which added depth and texture to his works. Despite his success as an artist, Saint-Aubin struggled financially throughout his life. He died in poverty in 1780, but his legacy lives on through his vibrant and expressive works, which continue to inspire and delight art lovers today.