The Origins of Tennis

On the occasion of the fifth Nitto ATP Finals, the Royal Museums of Turinin collaboration with theTurin State Archives, present a refined dossier exhibition that explores the historical roots of tennis within the European courts. The exhibition, set up on the second floor of the Sabauda Gallery, highlights the evolution of tennis from its predecessor, the “jeu de paume” o “pallacorda”, very much in vogue among Dukes of Savoy and the leading aristocratic families of the Renaissance.

Tennis, defined “game of kings and kings of games”, was the subject of reflection in 1555 by Antonio Scaino, author of the first treatise on playing the ball with specific references to the racquet game. Among the highlights on display is a precious illuminated manuscript of the State Archives with portraits of the Dukes of Savoy and scenes of childhood life in which rackets and balls appear, playful tools but also educational symbols for the princelings of the court.

The exhibition also includes works from the Sabauda Gallery, such as the double portrait of the children of Victor Amadeus I e Christina of France, intent on their games, and a allegorical painting by Jan Brueghel the Younger, where, among musical instruments, art and scientific objects, rackets and balls appear, symbols of human passions and the earthly vanity.