In Paris of the 17th century, theatrical performances were given both in public theatres and at Court . The Palais Royale theatre, where Moliere's plays were presented, was illuminated by six grand chandeliers and by rows of candles at the front of the stage. The scenery was lit from the sides by candles. In a painting at the Comedie Francaise Museum, Moliere the actor plays on a stage lit by six chandeliers, each with twelve candles, and thirty-four candles at the front of the stage - a total of a hundred and six candles in the painting alone. Large chandeliers similar to those on stage were hung in the auditorium. In addition to lighting the auditorium, these chandeliers enhanced the lighting of the downstage area. A row of footlights was placed at the edge of the stage, adding more light to the faces of the actors . Inventory lists of theatres of this period provide us with detailed information about the types and quantity of candles, indicating that more candles were used in the auditorium than on the stage itself.

Louis XVIII in his Royal Theater, 1641. Moliere on a stage lit by six chandliers, each with twelve candles. (the footlight candles are not visible in this detail of the painting).  Lighting the footlights before the performance