Artwork

Allégorie des Ecoles gratuites du dessein (Allegory of the Free Drawing Schools)

Allégorie des Ecoles gratuites du dessein (Allegory of the Free Drawing Schools) is a graphite print by the Romanticist artist Gabriel de Saint-Aubin. It dates from 1751 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:recto: in plate, in image, at lower left: No 600 [over which is written in black ink "1500"] / dot 300 [over which is written in black ink an indecipherable word]; in plate, in image, at lower right: G de S aubin invenit [on smoothing plane]; in plate, below image: ALLEGORIE DE MARIAGES FAITS PAR LA VILLE [over which has been written, in black ink: L'ALLÉGORIE DES ÉCOLES GRATUITES DE DESSein] / de paris. à la naissance de mgnr le duc de bourgogne en 1751 [over which has been written, in black ink: établies...à la Sollicitation de mr bachelier adjoint a professeur de l'academie R / 1766]; at bottom in graphite: les genie des diferents arts alluminent leur flambeaux a Celui du [indecipherable] 1766; verso: none
Markings: Marked:recto: none; verso: National Gallery of Art

About this work

Overview

Gabriel de Saint-Aubin's 'Allegory of the Free Drawing Schools' (1751) is an intricate etching enhanced with graphite and black ink on laid paper, presenting a dense, dark composition.

Subject & Meaning

The scene allegorically depicts the Free Drawing Schools through a teeming forest scene with numerous figures intertwined with vines and a central tree. The juxtaposition of active, studying, and conversing individuals amidst nature symbolizes the nurturing relationship between education and growth.

Technique & Style

Originally an etching, the work was reworked with graphite and black ink, characteristic of Saint-Aubin's attention to detail. The busy, dark quality reflects the artist's mastery of layering techniques to achieve depth and visual complexity.

History & Provenance

Created in 1751, specific provenance details are not provided, though its existence attests to Saint-Aubin's engagement with educational themes of his time.

Context

The piece contextualizes 18th-century French emphasis on accessible artistic education, as embodied by the Free Drawing Schools, highlighting their importance in fostering communal learning and artistic development.

Legacy

While specific legacy details are not outlined, the allegory contributes to the historical record of artistic education's evolution, offering a visual commentary on the value placed on free learning institutions during the period.