Final answer:
French court spectacles were grand performances patronized by the aristocracy in the 17th and 18th centuries, reflecting neoclassical ideals and showing the intricate blend of various European theatrical traditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
French court spectacles during the 17th and 18th centuries were grand performances patronized by the aristocracy, including King Louis XIV. These spectacles integrated various European theatrical traditions and were deeply influenced by neoclassical ideals, which emphasized purity of genre, verisimilitude, decorum, structure in five acts, and the dual purpose of teaching and pleasing the audience, reflecting the standards of Ars Poetica by Horace.
Kingly patronage in France led to the construction of large public theatres and the intricate blending of English, Spanish, and Italian theatrical practices. The emergence of neoclassical Italianate theatre design brought visual balance and perspective to these performances. The inclusion of women as onstage performers was also a significant change during King Louis XIV's reign, further shaping the realm of French theatre.
As the genre evolved, pageant wagons became a new form of entertainment, leading to the use of mobile stages that brought theatricality into towns and villages. These developments led to what we came to know as French court spectacles, which are emblematic of the opulence and cultural importance of theatre in French aristocratic life.