Salle De Spectacle De Bordeaux.
By LOUIS, [Victor] [1731-1800].
large folio. pp. 1 p.l., 10, [2]. engraved dedication & 22 engraved plates (1 double-page). old half calf over marbled bds., rebacked & recornered (some foxing mainly affecting margins, frontis. creased, 3-inch waterstain affecting lower edge of several plates). First Edition of this illustrated description of one the grandest of European theatres, constructed by Louis between 1773 and 1780. The plates include two perspective views of the interior and one of the main entrance, and several plans and sections, the last plate providing a comparative view of the plans of fourteen other theatres including Covent Garden, London, Versailles, the old Paris Opera, the Comédie Française, and theatres in Berlin, Argentina, Madrid, &c. A plate of the ceiling of the theatre was separately issued. With two exceptions the plates were designed and engraved by Louis himself. "The Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux (1773-1780) is his masterpiece and a significant influence in nineteenth-century theater architecture. The elegant grand staircase and vestibule were models for Charles Garnier's Opera. The horseshoe-shaped auditorium became an exemplar for many nineteenth-century auditoriums, and the giant Corinthian colonnade running the full length of the facade was also influential.This well-produced folio is dedicated to the Duc de Richelieu, who was associated with the project.The discours préliminaire, which gives a history of the construction of the theater, was written for the education of the young architect. Its defense of the cost of the project and its many anecdotes concerning progress of the building, are interesting reading." (Millard) Berlin Kat. 2812.
Published by: Paris: Esprit, at the Author's Expense, 1782., 1782
Vendor: D & E LAKE LTD. (ABAC/ILAB)
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By LOUIS, [Victor] [1731-1800].
large folio. pp. 1 p.l., 10, [2]. engraved dedication & 22 engraved plates (1 double-page). old half calf over marbled bds., rebacked & recornered (some foxing mainly affecting margins, frontis. creased, 3-inch waterstain affecting lower edge of several plates). First Edition of this illustrated description of one the grandest of European theatres, constructed by Louis between 1773 and 1780. The plates include two perspective views of the interior and one of the main entrance, and several plans and sections, the last plate providing a comparative view of the plans of fourteen other theatres including Covent Garden, London, Versailles, the old Paris Opera, the Comédie Française, and theatres in Berlin, Argentina, Madrid, &c. A plate of the ceiling of the theatre was separately issued. With two exceptions the plates were designed and engraved by Louis himself. "The Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux (1773-1780) is his masterpiece and a significant influence in nineteenth-century theater architecture. The elegant grand staircase and vestibule were models for Charles Garnier's Opera. The horseshoe-shaped auditorium became an exemplar for many nineteenth-century auditoriums, and the giant Corinthian colonnade running the full length of the facade was also influential.This well-produced folio is dedicated to the Duc de Richelieu, who was associated with the project.The discours préliminaire, which gives a history of the construction of the theater, was written for the education of the young architect. Its defense of the cost of the project and its many anecdotes concerning progress of the building, are interesting reading." (Millard) Berlin Kat. 2812.
Published by: Paris: Esprit, at the Author's Expense, 1782., 1782
Vendor: D & E LAKE LTD. (ABAC/ILAB)
