On ne s'avise jamais de tout
1762
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1762
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
On ne s'avise jamais de tout is a 1762 ink by Gabriel de Saint-Aubin, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This etching shows a crowded street scene with a mix of people and buildings. On the left, a group of soldiers with weapons stands near a tall tower. In the center, a man in a long coat walks past a tree and a building with a balcony. To the right, a few onlookers watch him, some pointing or talking. Notice the mix of ordinary people and the soldier’s sharp uniforms—it’s like a snapshot of daily life with a hint of drama. The artist used fine lines to show textures, like the rough wood of the buildings and the folds in the clothing. Look up etching to see how artists like this one create detailed prints with needles and acid.