Who painted Guillaume Coustou?

Guillaume Coustou was painted by Augustin de Saint-Aubin in 1770.

Where can I see Guillaume Coustou?

Guillaume Coustou is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Guillaume Coustou?

Guillaume Coustou is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Guillaume Coustou?

Museum-quality prints of Guillaume Coustou are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Guillaume Coustou

Augustin de Saint-Aubin , 1770

Guillaume Coustou is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Augustin de Saint-Aubin. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower center in plate: GUILLAUME COUSTOU, / Sculpteur du Roy; lower left in plate: C.N. Cochin fil. delin.; lower right in plate: August.de St.Aubin Sculp 1770.

About this work

Overview

The print is a black‑and‑white portrait of the French sculptor Guillaume Coustou, rendered from the shoulders up. Executed in 1770, it combines engraving with etching on laid paper and is framed by a simple oval border with a textured edge. A brief line of uneven text appears beneath the image, identifying the work.

Subject & Meaning

Guillaume Coustou, a leading 18th‑century sculptor, is shown with his hair gathered and secured by a ribbon, a conventional pose for contemporary portraiture. The composition emphasizes his facial features and professional dignity, reflecting the period’s interest in documenting notable artists for posterity.

Technique & Style

The image was produced by first etching fine lines into a metal plate, then reinforcing them through engraving to achieve deeper, darker strokes. This dual process allowed the artist to render subtle gradations of light and shadow, creating a nuanced tonal range on the laid‑paper surface.

History & Provenance

Created by Augustin de Saint‑Aubin (1736–1807), a member of a distinguished family of French designers and engravers, the print illustrates his engagement with portraiture of his contemporaries. Saint‑Aubin’s work circulated among collectors of the era, contributing to the visual record of France’s artistic community.

Context

In the late 18th century, French printmakers frequently combined etching and engraving to produce detailed likenesses for an expanding market of art enthusiasts. This portrait aligns with that trend, offering a reproducible image of a celebrated sculptor at a time when printed portraits were becoming increasingly popular.

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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.