Who painted Despreaux-Nicolas Boileau?

Despreaux-Nicolas Boileau was painted by Augustin de Saint-Aubin in 1800.

Where can I see Despreaux-Nicolas Boileau?

Despreaux-Nicolas Boileau is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Despreaux-Nicolas Boileau?

Despreaux-Nicolas Boileau is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Despreaux-Nicolas Boileau?

Museum-quality prints of Despreaux-Nicolas Boileau are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Despreaux-Nicolas Boileau

Augustin de Saint-Aubin , 1800

Despreaux-Nicolas Boileau is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Augustin de Saint-Aubin. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower center in plate below medallion: BOILLEAU.; lower center in plate below frame: Dessine et Grave par Aug St.Aubin d'apres les Buste fait par Girardon

About this work

Overview

Despreaux-Nicolas Boileau is an engraving over etching on laid paper created by Augustin de Saint-Aubin in 1800. This black-and-white portrait depicts a man with curly hair and a high forehead, turned slightly to the side, within a decorative oval border. The subject is identified as BOULEAU in a text box below.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait is of Despreaux-Nicolas Boileau, likely referencing the 17th-century French poet and literary critic Nicolas Boileau-Despréaux. The accurate representation suggests the engraving may have been intended for educational, literary, or commemorative purposes.

Technique & Style

Saint-Aubin employed a layered line technique to achieve textured shading, characteristic of French printmaking traditions of the late 18th century. The use of engraving over etching allowed for detailed, intricate work, as seen in the subject's curls and the decorative border.

History & Provenance

Created in 1800 by Augustin de Saint-Aubin, a member of a renowned French family of designers and engravers. Specific provenance details are not provided, but the work reflects the artist's roots in French printmaking.

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Artist & collection

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.