Artwork
The Actor Clairval
The Actor Clairval is a drawing by the Baroque artist Étienne Aubry. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 2008.369
- Credit line
- Bequest of Muriel Butkin
About this work
Overview
Created in 1750 by French artist Étienne Aubry, this drawing portrays the 18th‑century actor known as Clairval. Executed in a brisk, sketch‑like manner, the work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings and exemplifies Aubry’s early interest in individualized portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is dressed in theatrical costume typical of the period: a wide‑brimmed hat, a long buttoned coat, and loosely tied breeches. One hand rests on the hip while the other is extended, suggesting a moment of speech or gesture onstage, thereby emphasizing the actor’s performative identity.
Technique & Style
Aubry’s use of loose, rapid lines conveys immediacy, likely intended for a playbill or program illustration. The composition is set against an unadorned background with a faint suggestion of rocky ground, focusing attention on the sitter without distraction.
History & Provenance
Trained under J. A. Silvestre and Joseph Vien, Aubry exhibited at the Paris Salon before his premature death in 1781 at age 35. The drawing bears the inscription “Clairval par Aubry,” confirming its purpose as a portrait of the actor and linking it to the artist’s early career phase.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Étienne Aubry (1746–1781) was a French painter. He was born in Versailles. He studied under J. A. Silvestre and Joseph Vien, and soon became noted for his portraits and genre subjects. Aubry exhibited several works of…
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