Volery and venery in the French Wars of Religion

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This book-length study analyzes literary and cultural texts through the lens of hunting perspectives during the French Wars of Religion. It highlights the role of the king in the hunt, as depicted by court poets like Jodelle and Ronsard. The examination includes cynegetic scenes and attitudes toward hunting in works by Sebastian Brant, Erasmus, Rabelais, Jodelle, Ronsard, Ceppède, Montaigne, and Aubigné. The study connects artistic representations of hunting to details found in hunting manuals by Du Fouilloux, De Thou, Franchières, and Arcussia. Amidst the need for the monarchy to project stability, the king's figure dominates hunting activities. The author argues that hunting remained a significant concern in France despite the disruptions caused by the Wars of Religion. The analysis raises important questions about how religious affiliation influenced attitudes toward hunting and whether the violence of the Wars altered perceptions of animal cruelty. Falconry and large game hunting provide insights into the cultural and political landscape of the era. This work offers a unique perspective for historians of hunting, students of early modern Europe, and graduate students in cultural studies or anthropology, making it essential for museums focused on the significance of hunting in aristocratic life.