Musée du Louvre features Gabriel de Saint-Aubin

Written by Kristi Eaton, AP Wednesday, 18 January 2012 20:40

 

PARIS - A unique chronicler of bohemian Paris under the reign of Louis XV, Gabriel de Saint-Aubin (1724-1780) was a marginal artist who roamed the streets of the capital his entire life, a sketchbook in his hands. Ever since this artist was rediscovered by the Goncourt brothers, admiration for his keen eye, liveliness of execution, sensuous use of materials and freedom of expression has never waned. On exhibition through 26 May, 2008.

Nevertheless, this exhibition marks the first time in nearly a century that the public will be treated to a monographic exploration of the various aspects of the art of Gabriel de Saint-Aubin. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Louvre and The Frick Collection in New York, this exhibition is able to bring together seven of the rare paintings by this artist, a selection of his remarkable etchings and some sixty of his best drawings.
 
An unclassifiable and undaunted artist Gabriel de Saint-Aubin belonged to an eclectic family of artists—his father and a brother were embroiderers for the royal court, a sister and another brother were widely noted for their mastery of the draftsman’s art—who proudly recognized his genius. However, we know very little about how he got his start as an artist, his training, or his private life.

Only his works can guide us. Saint-Aubin’s drawings often include a veritable interweaving of scribbled images and personal notes. This delicate handwriting, almost undecipherable at first glance, is one of the trademarks of his personal approach, which was hardly lacking in humor or irony, extending occasionally to self-mockery. Once one has gotten past the shock of the inventive, and sometimes muddled, presentation of his sketches, these captivating works can allow us to trace the artist’s sensitivity as a draftsman throughout his entire creative process.
 
The works of Gabriel de Saint-Aubin could be categorize into three main families. The first, and the one associated most with the artist’s legitimate, professional status during his lifetime, consists of allegories, historical subjects and illustrations for manuscripts commissioned by publishers. The second includes sales catalogues, booklets for the Salons and guides to Paris meticulously enhanced with sketches. Lastly, the largest group, and the one with the greatest appeal for today’s collectors, comprises his drawings from life (Two Children with One Holding a Kite, A Knife Grinder, A Village Fiddler and many others ).
 
Exhibition curators

Pierre Rosenberg, Member of the Académie Française, Director Emeritus, Musée du Louvre. Christophe Leribault, Chief Curator, Department of Graphic Arts, Musée du Louvre and Director, Eugène Delacroix Museum.

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