Allegory of the Dauphin's Convalescence (Allegorie sur la convalescence du Dauphin)

Allegory of the Dauphin's Convalescence (Allegorie sur la convalescence du Dauphin)

Gabriel de Saint-Aubin

1752

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This etching shows a busy scene with lots of people and symbols. In the center, a man in a long robe holds a book while standing near a sickly figure on a couch. Around them, clouds, flowers, and a winged figure hover. At the bottom, a lion and a unicorn stand side by side. The text below explains this is about a prince’s recovery, using old-style writing. The artist packed details like a book of names and a zodiac sign into the scene. Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists like this made sharp prints.

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