Artwork

Charles Louis de Secondat Montesquieu

Charles Louis de Secondat Montesquieu, by Augustin de Saint-Aubin, ink, 1803
Charles Louis de Secondat Montesquieu, by Augustin de Saint-Aubin, ink, 1803

Charles Louis de Secondat Montesquieu is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Augustin de Saint-Aubin. It dates from 1803 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:lower center in plate below medallion: MONTESQUIEU.; lower center in plate below frame: Aug.St.Aubin del.et sculp.

About this work

Overview

This print is a portrait of Charles Louis de Secondat Montesquieu, created through a combination of engraving and etching techniques on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Montesquieu in profile, facing left, with curly hair and a loose shirt. The simple border and printed name below the oval frame identify the subject.

Technique & Style

The image was produced using engraving and etching, allowing for sharp lines and detailed textures. The combination of these techniques enabled the artist, Augustin de Saint-Aubin, to achieve a high level of precision in the portrait.

History & Provenance

The print was created in 1803 by Augustin de Saint-Aubin, a member of a prominent French family of designers and engravers who was active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Augustin de Saint-Aubin

Artist

Augustin de Saint-Aubin

Augustin de Saint-Aubin sometimes styled Auguste de Saint-Aubin (3 January 1736 – 9 November 1807), belongs to an important dynasty of French designers and engravers.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Charles Louis de Secondat Montesquieu?

Charles Louis de Secondat Montesquieu was painted by Augustin de Saint-Aubin in 1803.

Where can I see Charles Louis de Secondat Montesquieu?

Charles Louis de Secondat Montesquieu is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Charles Louis de Secondat Montesquieu?

Charles Louis de Secondat Montesquieu is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Charles Louis de Secondat Montesquieu?

Museum-quality prints of Charles Louis de Secondat Montesquieu are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.