Oil on canvas “Portrait of a boy with a bilboquet”, original canvas, original frame. The origin of the game of bilboquet is quite obscure. Some sources say it first appeared in France at the end of the 16th century. Cervantes (1547-1616) affirms that the bilbos, pointed and balled swords, made in Bilbao (in the Basque Country), would have existed as early as the 11th century. King Henry III of France launched the fashion for the bilboquet during his reign (1574-1589). He liked to play it very much during his walks surrounded by his cutes. It is thanks to him that the game of bilboquet became fashionable. The practice of bilboquet is also considered a sport and has rules and national and international sports organizations.
Directoire period, late 18th century
France
With frame:
Height: 58cm. (22,83 inch)
Width: 50cm. ( 19,68 inch)
Without frame:
Height: 45cm. (17, 71 inch)
Width: 37 cm. (14,56 inch )
