This cotton print faithfully reproduces the drawings of the gardens of Marly, collected in four exceptional albums of drawings known as the ‘Albums de Marly’, preserved by the National Archives among the collections of the King's Buildings. These plans and bird's-eye views show the state of the château, park and groves of Marly, the king's private residence, where he could isolate himself from the Court, first from 1693-1713 and then in October 1714, following the major renovation of Marly shortly before the death of Louis XIV. Each volume contains drawings executed in watercolour, Indian ink and wash, enhanced with gouache and varnish, framed with a double black border and sumptuously bound in red morocco leather bearing the arms of Louis XIV. ‘Rather than a working tool intended for use by an architect, these representations, with their meticulous and picturesque rendering, were undoubtedly reserved for the enjoyment of the master of the house.’ The various plans were arranged in relation to each other to recreate a large garden where the geometry and symmetry of the spaces is revealed.