Figure Sketches
1752
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 page1752
chalk
paper
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Figure Sketches is a 1752 chalk by Gabriel de Saint-Aubin, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This sketch shows quick, loose drawings of nude figures in motion. Some are standing, others lying down or crouching, all outlined in faint ink and wash. The paper is split into two overlapping sheets, with smudges and rough strokes giving a sense of speed. The artist used light pencil lines first, then added darker ink to define shapes. The background is mostly blank, keeping focus on the figures. Next, check out the technique: cross-hatching to see how artists build form with layers of lines.
Gabriel de Saint-Aubin was a French draftsman, printmaker, etcher and painter.
See the richer artist page
![A Reclining Nude with Her Right Arm Raised over a Swift Composition Study [verso]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/8e1ee92955ff9975/thumb.webp)
![Young Woman Kneeling and Reaching Forward [verso]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/dad9d34b84dadb6d/thumb.webp)
