Where can I see The Divertissement from Voltaire's "La princesse de Navarre"?

The Divertissement from Voltaire's "La princesse de Navarre" is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Divertissement from Voltaire's "La princesse de Navarre"?

The Divertissement from Voltaire's "La princesse de Navarre" is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of The Divertissement from Voltaire's "La princesse de Navarre"?

Museum-quality prints of The Divertissement from Voltaire's "La princesse de Navarre" are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Divertissement from Voltaire's "La princesse de Navarre"

Gabriel de Saint-Aubin , 1745

The Divertissement from Voltaire's "La princesse de Navarre" is a chalk drawing by the Baroque artist Gabriel de Saint-Aubin. It dates from 1745 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:recto: by a later hand in graphite, across bottom: Princesse de Navarre; verso: in graphite in later hand at lower right: 50
Markings: Marked:recto: at lower left, unidentified collector's mark in black ink (interlaced P and C?); verso: none

About this work

Overview

Gabriel de Saint-Aubin's 'The Divertissement from Voltaire's La princesse de Navarre' is a red chalk drawing on laid paper, created in 1745.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a vibrant scene of 18th-century figures in an opulent room, engaged in various activities such as conversation and music-making, likely illustrating a moment from Voltaire's work.

Technique & Style

Executed in red chalk, the drawing features loose, rapid lines and shading that convey a sense of energy, with soft shadows and textures adding warmth and depth to the scene.

Context

This sketch reflects the artist's practice of quickly capturing ideas or planning larger compositions, a common use of red chalk drawings during this period.