Title Page (Le Titre)
Charles Germain de Saint-Aubin
1756
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Charles Germain de Saint-Aubin
1756
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image is a black-and-white drawing with lots of tiny details. A tall tree splits the center, with branches curving outward. Butterflies, flowers, and odd little figures—some look like people, others like tools or insects—fill the space. The words *"Essai de Papilloneries Humaines"* run down the tree trunk. The artist packed the page with strange, playful scenes, like a mix of nature and human life. The tiny figures seem to be doing odd things, maybe hinting at a bigger story. If you like this style, look up etching to see how artists create these delicate lines.