La Colonade de Versailles
La Machine
Plan du Labirinthe de Versailles (Sold)
from L’Atlas Curieux
Nicolas de Fer, Paris: 1700-05
Hand-colored engravings
10.75 x 15.25 inches, average overall
Prices On Request
Paris and Environs
Hand-colored Engravings by Nicolas de Fer, c. 1700-05
Hand-colored Engravings by Nicolas de Fer, c. 1700-05
La Colonade de Versailles (above) and detail (below)  |
La Machine (above) and detail (below)  |
Plan du Labirinthe de Versailles (above) and detail (below)
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Three views related to Versailles and environs.
La Colonade de Versailles: View of the circle of arches designed in 1685 by Mansart, shown with people of the period socializing and enjoying the scenery.
La Machine: View of an elaborate water elevation system on the River Seine near St.-Germain-en-Laye, in the suburbs of Paris. An inscription in French explains that the "machine" is very close by "the charming and magnificent royal house of Marly" (the chateau of St. Germain that was used as a residence by a series of French monarchs until the French Revolution). The inscription states that the machine lifts the water to an elevation of sixty-two toises (a toise was an old French measurement equalling six feet), and supplies water "to the famous Versailles which is no further than a good hour away by road."
Inscription: "Située sur la Riviere de Seine prés St. Germain en Laye et encore plus pres de la Charmante et Magnifique Maison Royale de Marly don’t elle porte le nom. Cette Machine eleve 200 pouces d’eau, Soixante et deux Toises de haut qu’elle fournit au fameux Versailles qui n’en est êloigné que d’une bonne heure de Chemin. Par N. de Fer."
Plan du Labrinithe de Versailles: Plan of the labyrinth in the gardens of Versailles showing the fountains within along with the points of entrance and exit. A small scale of distance is provided near the lower margin.