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This is a detailed etching of an allegorical scene featuring cherubs and classic architecture. The scene depicts ornate architectural structures with columns in the background, surrounded by playful and dynamic cherubs interacting with each other. Some cherubs are holding wreaths or decorative elements. In the center, there is a draped female figure holding a lyre. The setting suggests themes of music and art, exuding a sense of celebration and grandeur. The drawing style is meticulous and intricate, with elaborate lines and shading creating depth and dimension.
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This is a detailed etching of an allegorical scene featuring cherubs and classic architecture. The scene depicts ornate architectural structures with columns in the background, surrounded by playful and dynamic cherubs interacting with each other. Some cherubs are holding wreaths or decorative elements. In the center, there is a draped female figure holding a lyre. The setting suggests themes of music and art, exuding a sense of celebration and grandeur. The drawing style is meticulous and intricate, with elaborate lines and shading creating depth and dimension.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Allégorie des Ecoles gratuites du dessein (Allegory of the Free Drawing Schools)

Gabriel Jacques de Saint-Aubin

Date
1751, reworked in 1766
Medium
etching reworked with graphite and black ink on laid paper
Dimensions
sheet: 17.9 × 13.3 cm (7 1/16 × 5 1/4 in.) plate: 16.7 × 12.7 cm (6 9/16 × 5 in.)
Classification
Print
Accession number
1958.8.138
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1751 to 1775
Department
CG-E
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Angel
  • French
  • child
  • portrait
  • Costume
  • Building
  • Figures
Inscription

recto: in plate, in image, at lower left: No 600 [over which is written in black ink "1500"] / dot 300 [over which is written in black ink an indecipherable word]; in plate, in image, at lower right: G de S aubin invenit [on smoothing plane]; in plate, below image: ALLEGORIE DE MARIAGES FAITS PAR LA VILLE [over which has been written, in black ink: L'ALLÉGORIE DES ÉCOLES GRATUITES DE DESSein] / de paris. à la naissance de mgnr le duc de bourgogne en 1751 [over which has been written, in black ink: établies...à la Sollicitation de mr bachelier adjoint a professeur de l'academie R / 1766]; at bottom in graphite: les genie des diferents arts alluminent leur flambeaux a Celui du [indecipherable] 1766; verso: none

Marks

recto: none; verso: National Gallery of Art

Watermarks

none

NGA object ID 45783. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.