c. 1735

Grand Salon of the Château de Draveil

This grand salon was the centerpiece of the magnificent château that Marin de la Haye built at Draveil, about twelve miles south of Paris. De la Haye purchased the property in 1720, only two years after he had obtained the lucrative office of royal tax collector. Provided with sufficient means to establish himself in society, De la Haye transformed the simple house he found at Draveil into a large château with spacious and varied gardens. At the axial center of the house was the grand salon, which he used as the state room for formal receptions. To demonstrate his wealth and status, the salon was decorated with immense mirrors, carved and gilded paneling, and sculpted reliefs. The room opened through three round-headed doors onto a balcony that overlooked the celebrated park. When De la Haye died without direct heirs, Draveil passed to various private owners, the last of whom sold the woodwork of the grand salon to the Parisian art dealer from whom the Museum purchased it in 1928.