Tympanotribae Romani. / Prima Turma

Title

Tympanotribae Romani. / Prima Turma

The illustration shows the first group of two mounted drummers at a jousting tournament (a lance-tilting tournament), from Courses de Testes et de Bagues Faittes par Roy et par les Princes et Signeurs de sa Cour, en l’année 1662 (Grand Carrousel). Another artist involved was Israel Silvestre (1621–1691), and the work was published by Charles Perrault (1628–1703).

ca. 1670

Artist

Chauveau (1613-1676)

François Chauveau (1613–1676) was a French painter, engraver, and illustrator of the 17th century. He was a well-known engraver of book illustrations and worked for important patrons such as the French Academy and the royal court. Chauveau created numerous illustrations of ancient themes and mythological subjects.

Historical Description

Tympanotribae were ancient Roman musicians who played the tympanon — a type of hand drum or tambourine, similar to a small percussion instrument. These musicians often performed at Roman festivals, religious ceremonies, as well as in theatrical plays or gladiator games. They provided rhythm and atmosphere. Prima Turma literally means “first group” or “first division” — in a military context, it often refers to the first unit of a cavalry or legionary troop. Here, it refers to the “first group of Tympanotribae,” depicted at a jousting tournament held by the king and the princes and lords of his court in 1662. Such depictions often served to visualize ancient customs, especially in books about Roman history, mythology, or culture. Chauveau was known for his detailed and elegant execution, combining ancient figures with a Baroque style.