Les Bals de la Reine

This book is devoted to the Queen's balls at the French Court, which date back to the 17th century. It was up to the sovereign to liven up Court life with circles, concerts and balls, particularly during Carnival. In the event of the sovereign's death, the dauphine took on this role, as did the Duchess of Burgundy at the Court of Louis XIV from 1700 to 1712, the year of his death. 
This tradition seems to have disappeared at the beginning of the reign of Louis XV, until the end of the Seven Years' War in 1763. Carnival festivities marked a revival of the balls offered by Queen Marie Lecsczinska. Following the death of the sovereign in 1768, the dauphin Marie-Antoinette continued this practice as queen until 1787.