Journal des sçavans... (1698-...)

Les Oeuvres de M. Bensserade... (1698)

La Vie de Scaramouche... (1699)

An Essay Towards An History of Dancing... (1712)

Histoire générale de la danse... (1724)

La danse ancienne... (1754)

Encyclopédie... (1751-1772)

Critical Observations on the Art of Dancing... (1770)

Lettres et entretiens sur la danse... (1824)

La Vie de Scaramouche written by Angelo Costantini, is the story of famed Italian comedian Tiberio Fiorilli and was first printed in March, 1695. In this short life and times, dedicated to Son Altesse Royale, the author paints a colorful picture of the beloved court comedian. Costantini recreated the life of Fiorilli and his persona, Scaramouche, in this double biography of the man and the myth.

These memoirs allow a glimpse into life at the court of Louis XIV. For example, chapter twenty-six describes what is needed to act out an Italian comedy. Besides the character types that must be present, one needs a yearly pension. Costantini offers numerous accounts of how Scaramouche was able to obtain more money than his contract allowed. Chapter twenty-eight provides a physical description of the man, making note of his body, its shape and agility, as well as his personality. Costantini also notes that the great Molière studied with Scaramouche and attributed the grace and grimaces of his own acting to the Italian actor.

Among many humorous events, chapter nineteen recounts Scaramouche returning home with a pie. Upon his return, he places the pie on top of his head so that he can unlock the door. As he does so, the pie breaks through the bottom and encircles his neck. To the delight of all present at his home, he is left standing at the door with sauce running down his face. This anecdote is characteristic of both the man and the player. It is said in the final chapter that he was the “plus illustre Comedien qui ait jamais paru sur le Théâtre Italien; et l’on peut dire sans hyperbole, que la nature après l’avoir fait en cassa le moule” (145). In other words, there was no other like him at the time of his playing, and in the author’s opinion, there never would be.

Full Text                              By Ali Mills (MA 2006)