Abstract
Abstract Approximately 250 noblemen participated in the Florentine horse ballets during the seventeenth century. They represented many of the city’s principal families, as well as families from outside Tuscany. This chapter focuses on the demographic make-up of this group, specifically their ages, nationalities, positions held at court, membership in the Order of Santo Stefano, and the noble titles they held or aspired to. In the case of the seven riders bearing Spanish surnames, the invitation to participate in a Medici horse ballet helped cement their status as naturalized Florentine citizens. For all riders, participation in one or more horse ballets—which required both horsemanship and ability at arms—confirmed their possession of knightly skills while also demonstrating and maintaining their alliances with other noble families and the ruling Medici grand dukes. Riders brought honor to their families through their public performances of male nobility.
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