PORTRAIT DES GUISE EN « GENTILZ VENEURS ».

The article presents a reflection on the symbols of the hunting activity of nobles in France in the 16th century, and more particularly on hunting as a proof of nobility, based on the study of the history of the House of Guise, a French ducal family. The symbolic relations between the prey, the auxiliary animals and hunters used to define the very notion of nobility, according to the article. Hunting as a demonstration of the power of nobles, from the management of forests and game reserves to the dramatic aspect of their way of hunting, is discussed. The representation of hunting scenes in tapestries and music is examined.