Sketches of Dancers and Heads of Putti

1748

Gabriel Jacques de Saint-Aubin

Associated Names
Gabriel de Saint-Aubin

Artist, French, 1724 - 1780

The drawing features sketched figures and cherubic faces. The left side shows rough sketches of groups of figures in various poses. The right side displays three cherubic faces drawn with cursory strokes, highlighted with swirling lines. The faces are arranged vertically, adding a playful tone to the composition. The style of the drawing and free-flowing lines suggest a dynamic sketch capturing the lively motion of the figures.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and black ink with gray wash on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Gertrude Laughlin Chanler

  • Dimensions

    overall: 13.7 x 20.6 cm (5 3/8 x 8 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2000.9.23.b

Associated Artworks

This is a drawing of a grand ball or dance scene. The image depicts a group of figures elegantly dressed in flowing gowns and elaborate costumes partaking in a courtly dance inside a palatial hall. The intricate pencil and ink lines suggest movement and grace. The figures are in motion, some twirling while others maintain poised gestures. The background features ornate architectural details with tall columns and arches, enhancing the grandeur of the setting. This is rendered with light shading and careful line work, creating a sense of depth and drama. The drawing conveys an atmosphere of elegance and celebration.

Ballet from "The Rival Fairies"

Gabriel de Saint-Aubin

1748

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

M. Pérignon (his sale, Paris, 30-31 May 1864); his son, A. Pérignon (his sale, Paris, 17-23 May 1865, no. 141). Private collection (sale, Paris, 20-21 May 1873, no. 127). M. Audouin, by 1877. (Thomas Agnew and Sons, London); The Hon. Irwin Boyle Laughlin, 1917, Washington, D.C.; his wife, Therese Iselin Laughlin, Washington, D.C., 1941; their daughter, Gertrude Laughlin Chanler, New York, 1958; gift to NGA, 2000.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1982

  • Eighteenth Century Drawings from the Collection of Mrs. Gertrude Laughlin Chanler, NGA, Washington, D.C., 1982, no. 20.

2000

  • Drawings and Prints from the Permanent Collection (Summer 2000), National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2000 (no catalogue).

2009

  • Renaissance to Revolution: French Drawings from the National Gallery of Art, 1500-1800. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2009, 152-153, 284, no. 65 (color; recto and verso).

Wikidata ID

Q64570998

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