Alexandrinsky Theatre, St. Petersburg — engraving

The Alexandrinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg.

"Michael Theatre".

Technique, Material: Woodcut / Paper
Artist: Alexandre de Bar,  Engraver: Laurent Éloi Hotelin & Alexandre Hurel
Date, Publisher: Voyages and travels, or, Scenes in many lands, Boston, 1884.
Size: sheet 22x19, image  16x11.5 cm.

The Title Mystery: Why is it called "Michael Theatre"?
This engraving comes from the American publication "Voyages and travels, or, Scenes in many lands" (Boston: E. W. Walker & Co., 1887), edited by Leo de Colange . This was a lavishly illustrated two-volume work containing about 850 wood and steel engravings of views from around the world.

Here, a historical error occurred. The publishers mistakenly titled the engraving "Michael Theatre", although it actually depicts the Alexandrinsky Theatre. This is confirmed by the description in the same publication: "Alexandrinsky theatre is one of the most famous in St. Petersburg... Theatre is located on Ostrovsky square".

Thus, the incorrect title is simply an unfortunate mistake by 19th-century American publishers who confused two St. Petersburg theatres. 

This engraving depicts the Alexandrinsky Theatre (officially the National Drama Theatre of Russia) — one of the oldest and most beautiful theatres in St. Petersburg, located on Ostrovsky Square.

The Alexandrinsky Theatre traces its history to the first permanent public theatre in Russia, founded by decree of Empress Elizabeth on August 30, 1756 — this date is considered the birthday of Russian professional theatre . During the 18th and 19th centuries, it was Russia's main imperial theatre.

The existing building was constructed in 1828–1832 to a design by the great architect Carlo Rossi and opened on August 31 (September 12), 1832 . The theatre was named Alexandrinsky in honor of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, wife of Emperor Nicholas I . The building is an outstanding example of Empire-style architecture; its facade with a deep loggia and six Corinthian columns has become one of St. Petersburg's symbols . The theatre ensemble created by Rossi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The theatre has unique architecture. The main facade faces Nevsky Prospekt. On the sides of the building are two monumental eight-column porticos with sculptures of the muses Thalia and Melpomene (by sculptor V. I. Demut-Malinovsky) . These porticos, which you accurately described as unmistakable, are clearly visible in your engraving. The auditorium seats up to 1,700 people and has exceptional acoustics.