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French Theatre (Théatre Français), from Essai de Papilloneries Humaines par Saint Aubin

Charles Germain de Saint-Aubin

ca. 1756–60

French Theatre (Théatre Français), from Essai de Papilloneries Humaines par Saint Aubin by Charles Germain de Saint-Aubin

Medium

Etching; first state of two

Dimensions

plate: 12 13/16 x 9 3/8 in. (32.5 x 23.8 cm) sheet: 15 1/2 x 10 13/16 in. (39.3 x 27.4 cm)

Classification

Prints

Department

Drawings and Prints

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund and Rogers Fund, 1982

Accession Number

1982.1101.5

Tags

Butterflies

Art Historical Context

Step into the whimsical world of 18th French satire with *French Theatre (Thé Français)*, an etching by Charles-Germain de Saint-Aubin, around 1756–60. Part of the artist's *Essai de Papillon Humaines* ("Essay on Human Butterflies"), print captures the lively spirit of Paris's premier theater during the Rococo era, time when opulent entertainment and social commentary flourished. Saint-Aubin, one of the talented Saint-Aubin brothers renowned for their intricate engravings, infused his works with playful humor, often personifying human follies through insect motifs like butterflies—symbolizing ...

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