Allegory on the Convalescence of the Dauphin
Medium
Etching on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
Plate: 11.2 × 13.5 cm (4 7/16 × 5 3/8 in.); Sheet: 12.3 × 14.5 cm (4 7/8 × 5 3/4 in.)
Classification
etching
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
66752
Art Historical Context
In the opulent world of 18th-century France, Jacques de Saint-Aubin *Allegory on the Conescence of the Dauphin in 1752, a delicate etching on ivory laid paper measuring just 11.2 × 13.5 cm. Saint-Aubin, a master printmaker from the prolific Saint-Aubin family, was renowned for his intricate Rococo-style engravings that captured the whimsy and satire of Parisian life. This small-scale work exemplifies his skill in etching—a technique where acid etches designs into a metal plate, for fine lines and tonal subtlety ideal for allegorical scenes. The print celebrates the recovery of Louis, the Daup...
About the Artist
Gabriel Jacques de Saint-Aubin · 1724–1780
Gabriel Jacques de Saint-Aubin (14 April 1724 – 14 February 1780) was born in Paris into an artistic family — one of fourteen children of the court embroiderer and engraver G.-G. de Saint-Aubin. Art ran deep in the family: his brothers Charles Germain and Augustin de Saint-Aubin were also accomplished artists. Gabriel received his earliest training at home before entering the studios of Étienne Je...