The Economy of Stage Costume at the Comédie-Italienne as Revealed by its Account Books (1717–1741)

This article based on the account books of the Comédiens-Italiens examines the evolution of the troupe’s needs between 1717 and 1741. It identifies the suppliers and craftsmen who worked for the Comédie, and the prices that were charged. The analysis of the composition of the costumes and their increasing costs over the years highlights the financial strategies devised to deal with the shortage in cash flow that resulted from overspending.