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Heroic Act of a Father Who Sacrifices for His Son (Trait heroique d'un pere qui se sacrifie pour son fils)

Gabriel de Saint-Aubin

1767

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism 18th Century Allegory

Dominant colour

Heroic Act of a Father Who Sacrifices for His Son (Trait heroique d'un pere qui se sacrifie pour son fils) is a 1767 ink by Gabriel de Saint-Aubin, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Gabriel de Saint-Aubin
When & what style?: 1767 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This etching shows a dramatic scene with a group of people under a large tree. A man in the center holds a child, while others around him look upward or gesture wildly. The background is filled with tangled branches and faint figures, giving a chaotic but intense feel. The artist used fine lines to create shadows and texture, especially in the tree and clothing. The scene feels urgent, like a story unfolding in real time. Next, check out the technique: etching to see how artists like this one made such detailed prints.