eighteenth century from Derby ware (fig. 59) seems to be but a
continuation in action of those of the sixteenth century, as
out-of-door performances.

[Illustration: Fig. 56.--Caricature of a dancing master. Hogarth.]

We have now arrived at the modern style of ball, so beloved by many of
the French Monarchs. Henry IV. and Napoleon were fond of giving these
in grand style, and in some sort of grand style they persist even as a
great social function to our own time. The Court balls of Louis XIII.
and XIV. at Versailles were really gorgeous ballets, and their
grandeur was astonishing; this custom was continued under the
succeeding monarchs. An illustration of one in the eighteenth century
by August de l'Aubin (fig. 54) sufficiently shows their character.
There is nothing new in the postures illustrated, which may have
originated thousands of years ago. As illustrating the popular ball of
the period, the design by Hogarth (fig. 55) is an excellent contrast.
The _contredanse_ represented was originally the old country dance
exported to France and returned with certain arrangements added. This
is a topic we need not pursue farther, as almost every reader knows
what social dancing now is.

[Illustration: Fig. 57.--Spring dancing away from winter. From a
drawing by Watteau.]

[Illustration: Fig. 58.--The Misses Gunning dancing. End of the 18th
century, from a print by Bunbury, engraved by Bartolozzi.]

[Illustration: Fig. 59.--Dancing. Close of the 18th century. From
Derby ware.]