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Allégorie des mariages faits par la ville de Paris à la naissance du duc de Bourgogne (Allegory of the Marriages Performed by the City of Paris in Honor of the Birth of the Duc de Bourgogne in 1751)

Gabriel de Saint-Aubin , 1751

Allégorie des mariages faits par la ville de Paris à la naissance du duc de Bourgogne (Allegory of the Marriages Performed by the City of Paris in Honor of the Birth of the Duc de Bourgogne in 1751), by Gabriel de Saint-Aubin, ink, 1751
Allégorie des mariages faits par la ville de Paris à la naissance du duc de Bourgogne (Allegory of the Marriages Performed by the City of Paris in Honor of the Birth of the Duc de Bourgogne in 1751), by Gabriel de Saint-Aubin, ink, 1751

Allégorie des mariages faits par la ville de Paris à la naissance du duc de Bourgogne (Allegory of the Marriages Performed by the City of Paris in Honor of the Birth of the Duc de Bourgogne in 1751) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Gabriel de Saint-Aubin. It dates from 1751 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:recto: in plate, in image, at lower left: No 600 / dot 300 [on sheet of paper]; in plate, in image, at lower right: G de S aubin invenit [on smoothing plane]; in plate, below image: ALLEGORIE DE MARIAGES FAITS PAR LA VILLE / de paris. à la naissance de mgnr le duc de bourgogne en 1751; verso: at lower right in graphite in later hand: DV II
Markings
Marked:recto: Jean-Louis Soulavie (Lugt 1533); verso: National Gallery of Art

About this work

A tall, fancy column stands in the middle, with figures climbing all over it like a tree.

This picture is a busy black-and-white scene packed with people and plants. A tall, fancy column stands in the middle, with figures climbing all over it like a tree. At the top, cherubs and flowers spill out over the edges. The bottom has a long French title that’s hard to read.

The artist used lines to show every leaf and fold of cloth. This style was common in 1751 when the print was made. The title hints at a celebration for a royal birth.

Check out how etching works to see how artists create these fine details.

Overview

This etching on laid paper, created by Gabriel de Saint-Aubin in 1751, depicts a complex scene in honor of the birth of the Duc de Bourgogne. The print is characterized by its detailed black-and-white representation of a crowded cityscape.

Subject & Meaning

The scene commemorates the marriages arranged by the City of Paris to celebrate the royal birth, as indicated by the lengthy title at the bottom. The imagery is rich with figures, foliage, and ornate details, centered around a decorative column.

Technique & Style

The artist's use of etching allowed for the intricate rendering of textures, from the folds of fabric to the leaves of plants. This level of detail was typical of the etching technique prevalent during the mid-18th century.

Allegorie sur la mariage du Comte de Provence
Allegorie sur la mariage du Comte de Provence, Gabriel de Saint-Aubin

Artist & collection

MORE BY GABRIEL DE SAINT-AUBIN

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of National Gallery of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Allégorie des mariages faits par la ville de Paris à la naissance du duc de Bourgogne (Allegory of the Marriages Performed by the City of Paris in Honor of the Birth of the Duc de Bourgogne in 1751)?

Allégorie des mariages faits par la ville de Paris à la naissance du duc de Bourgogne (Allegory of the Marriages Performed by the City of Paris in Honor of the Birth of the Duc de Bourgogne in 1751) was painted by Gabriel de Saint-Aubin in 1751.

Where can I see Allégorie des mariages faits par la ville de Paris à la naissance du duc de Bourgogne (Allegory of the Marriages Performed by the City of Paris in Honor of the Birth of the Duc de Bourgogne in 1751)?

Allégorie des mariages faits par la ville de Paris à la naissance du duc de Bourgogne (Allegory of the Marriages Performed by the City of Paris in Honor of the Birth of the Duc de Bourgogne in 1751) is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Allégorie des mariages faits par la ville de Paris à la naissance du duc de Bourgogne (Allegory of the Marriages Performed by the City of Paris in Honor of the Birth of the Duc de Bourgogne in 1751)?

Allégorie des mariages faits par la ville de Paris à la naissance du duc de Bourgogne (Allegory of the Marriages Performed by the City of Paris in Honor of the Birth of the Duc de Bourgogne in 1751) is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Allégorie des mariages faits par la ville de Paris à la naissance du duc de Bourgogne (Allegory of the Marriages Performed by the City of Paris in Honor of the Birth of the Duc de Bourgogne in 1751)?

Museum-quality prints of Allégorie des mariages faits par la ville de Paris à la naissance du duc de Bourgogne (Allegory of the Marriages Performed by the City of Paris in Honor of the Birth of the Duc de Bourgogne in 1751) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.