1770 Copper Engraving Architectural Plan Ground Floor Salle Des Machines RDP1

This is an original 1770 monochrome copper engraving of architectural plans of the ground floor and the first level theatre boxes of the Salle des Machines (du Chateau des Tuileries), also known as the Théâtre des Tuileries. Construction of the Salle des Machines was initiated in 1660 upon the order of King Louis XIV who had received the idea from Cardinal Jules Mazarin, the chief minister of France. Originally, the large auditorium of the Salle des Machines was a portion of the larger complex of the Tuileries Palace. With a seating capacity of nearly 4,000, the Theatre derived its name, "Salle des Machines," or "Hall of Machines," from the technologically advanced mechanical systems devised by Italian architect Gaspare Vigarani to move scenic effects during opera and ballet performances. The structure itself was designed by French Classical architect Louis Le Vau and featured interior decoration by the painter Charles Errand. Following its inauguration on 7 February, 1662, the Th