Artwork
Jean Racine

Jean Racine is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Augustin de Saint-Aubin. It dates from 1806 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center in plate: JEAN. RACINE. / Dessine et Grave par Aug. St. Aubin d'apres le Buste fait par Girardon. / a Paris, chez Ant. Aug.Renouard.; lower right by later hand in graphite: 226(7?); uLv//by later hand in graphite: 1
About this work
Overview
Jean Racine is an engraving over etching on laid paper created by Augustin de Saint-Aubin in 1806. The work is a portrait of the renowned French playwright Jean Racine.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Jean Racine, celebrated for his classical-style tragedies, with a serious expression. His image is framed by a circular border, set against a plain background, emphasizing the subject.
Technique & Style
Executed in black and white, the engraving features intricate, lace-like details around Racine's face and curly hair. A circular border frames the portrait, with 'J. Racine' inscribed below.
History & Provenance
Augustin de Saint-Aubin, from a prominent family of artists, produced this print in 1806, characteristic of his work within a lineage of French engravers.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
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.

















