Sketches of Dancers and Heads of Putti

Art Historical Context

Gabriel Jacques de Saint-Aubin, a prolific French draftsman of the Rococo era, created *Sketches of Dancers and Heads of Putti in 1748, the whimsical spirit of mid-18th-century Paris. This intimate drawing on laid paper features lively studies of graceful dancers in flowing poses alongside the cherubic heads of putti—those plump, playful infant figures emblematic of Rococo ornamentation. At just 13.7 x 20.6 cm, it evokes the spontaneity of an artist's sketchbook, likely inspired by the vibrant theatrical world of the Opéra, where Saint-Aubin often documented performers. Rendered in pen and black ink heightened with gray wash, the work showcases Saint-Aubin's virtuoso technique: precise ink lines convey movement and expression, while subtle washes add volume and atmospheric depth. Laid paper, with its visible chain lines, was a favored support for such preparatory drawings, allowing for quick yet refined execution during the lively reign of Louis XV. Housed in the National Gallery of Art as a gift from Gertrude Laughlin Chanler, this piece highlights Saint-Aubin's role in chronicling everyday elegance and fantasy. It offers visitors a glimpse into Rococo's delight in motion and mischief, bridging fine art with the performing arts of Enlightenment France.

About the Artist

Gabriel Jacques de Saint-Aubin · 1724–1780

Gabriel Jacques de Saint-Aubin (14 April 1724 – 14 February 1780) was born in Paris into an artistic family — one of fourteen children of the court embroiderer and engraver G.-G. de Saint-Aubin. Art ran deep in the family: his brothers Charles Germain and Augustin de Saint-Aubin were also accomplished artists. Gabriel received his earliest training at home before entering the studios of Étienne Je...