The Game of Palla a Bracciale (Il gioco della palla a bracciale), by Antonio Joli,...

Detail. In a public square, two teams are playing the Game of Palla a Bracciale, a beloved sport of the Bourbons, very popular during the 18th Century: it consisted of eight players, divided into two teams, trying to hit a ball with their forearm, which was protected by a large wooden bracelet giving the name to the game itself; on the background, hanging at the palaces are exposed multicoloured flags; overlooking the square, countrymen attend the exhibition; in the galleries at both sides of the square, noblemen and dignitaries look at the game carefully. Antonio Joli Private collection