Longitudinal Section of a Theatre 1725 - 1796

Nicolas Marie Potain’s ‘Longitudinal Section of a Theatre,’ captures the architecture of entertainment through ink and watercolor on paper. But this isn’t just a rendering, it’s a carefully planned, technical drawing. Observe the sharp lines and meticulous detail; this was a tool for planning and construction. Each stroke and wash represents countless hours of labour, not only in the drawing itself, but in the physical building that it depicts. Consider the skilled artisans needed to execute such an ornate design, from the carpenters shaping the timber frame to the plasterers crafting the intricate decorations. The very act of theatre-going was a social event, stratified by class, and Potain’s drawing lays bare that hierarchy: from the cheap seats at the back, all the way to the boxes near the stage. Next time you attend the theatre, remember Potain’s drawing and appreciate the layers of labor, skill, and social structure that go into creating such a space.