“ VESTRIS, GAETANO APPOLINO BALDASSARE (1729–1808) , French ballet dancer, was born in Florence and made his début at the Opera in 1749. By 1751 his success and his vanity had grown to such a point that he is reported to have said, “There are but three great men in Europe—the king of Prussia, Voltaire and I.” He was an excellent mimic as well as dancer. From 1770 to 1776 he was master and composer of ballets, retiring, in favour of Noverre, with a pension. ”