Expulsion of the Jesuits (Expulsion des Jesuites)

1761

Gabriel Jacques de Saint-Aubin

Associated Names
Gabriel de Saint-Aubin

Artist, French, 1724 - 1780

This is a drawing of scenes illustrating acts of justice and authority. Two circular scenes are depicted, each in a classical style. On the left, there is a depiction of a book burning with books being tossed into a fire, and two figures participating in the act. The scene is labeled with the text "COMBUSTIS LIBRIS VI die Augusti MDCCLXI". On the right, another circular scene shows a figure holding a large document or proclamation, with two other figures conversing within an architectural setting, labeled "PERVERSIS TANDEM DELETIS SCHOLIS MDCCLXI". Above, there are decorative elements including an all-seeing eye, open books, and garlands. A tablet at the bottom contains an inscription in French discussing decrees and actions taken against certain educational or ideological texts, reflecting themes of censorship and authority. The artwork's intricate border and symmetrical design give it a formal and historical appearance.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed within platemark): 17.8 × 20.7 cm (7 × 8 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1958.8.140

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Dacier 1914, no. 23, State ii/ii


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Jean-Louis Soulavie (1752-1813), Paris (Lugt 1533)

Associated Names

Bibliography

1914

  • Dacier, Emile. L'oeuvre grave de Gabriel de Saint-Aubin; notice biographique et catalogue raisonne. Paris: Societe pour l'Etude de la Gravure Francaise, 1914.

Markings

recto: Jean-Louis Soulavie (Lugt 1533); verso: National Gallery of Art

Watermarks

none

Wikidata ID

Q65224493

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