Based on historical accounts and critical consensus, the preeminent writer of masques in English is Ben Jonson.
Ben Jonson: Master of the Masque
Ben Jonson (1572 - 1637) stands as a towering figure in English literature. While he is widely celebrated today for his sharp satirical comedies, his contributions spanned multiple literary forms. He was not only a distinguished poet and an early figure in English literary criticism but, according to historical records, he also distinguished himself as a poet, preeminent writer of masques, erudite defender of his work, and the originator of English literary criticism.
His work in the masque form is particularly significant. Jonson became the principal court poet for King James I and later King Charles I, crafting numerous masques performed at Whitehall Palace and other royal residences. These productions were elaborate spectacles combining poetry, music, dance, elaborate costumes, and sophisticated stage machinery, often designed by collaborators like Inigo Jones.
Jonson elevated the masque from a simple courtly entertainment to a significant literary genre. His masques were known for:
- Rich Poetic Language: Featuring complex allegories and mythological themes.
- Intellectual Depth: Incorporating philosophical ideas and celebrating the virtues of the monarchy.
- Structural Innovation: Developing the anti-masque as a contrast to the main, harmonious masque.
Through his extensive and influential body of work in this specific theatrical form, Ben Jonson established himself as the undisputed leader and finest practitioner of the English masque.
