Draftsmen Outdoors
1760
chalk
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
Artist
Gabriel de Saint-Aubin
Gabriel de Saint-Aubin was a French draftsman, printmaker, etcher and painter.
See the richer artist page1760
chalk
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Draftsmen Outdoors is a 1760 chalk by Gabriel de Saint-Aubin, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows four people sitting outside under a large umbrella. Two are drawing at a table, while the other two sit on the ground nearby. The lines are loose and quick, with some shading to show folds in clothing and shadows. The artist used only black chalk, blending it softly in places for a gentle effect. The paper has a textured look, typical of the time. Next, look up the technique: sfumato to see how artists used soft blending like this.
Gabriel de Saint-Aubin was a French draftsman, printmaker, etcher and painter.
See the richer artist page
