Artwork
Comptez sur mes sermens (You May Count on Me!)
Comptez sur mes sermens (You May Count on Me!) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Augustin de Saint-Aubin. It dates from 1789 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Comptez sur mes sermens (You May Count on Me!
About this work
Overview
Her thoughtful expression is emphasized by her chin resting on her hand, while she holds a fan and an indistinct small object in her lap.
Comptez sur mes sermens (You May Count on Me!) is a black-and-white print created by Augustin de Saint-Aubin in 1789, utilizing etching and engraving techniques. The work depicts a contemplative woman seated in a chair, adorned in a flowing, button-front robe, with soft curls and delicate features rendered through fine lines. Her thoughtful expression is emphasized by her chin resting on her hand, while she holds a fan and an indistinct small object in her lap.
Subject & Meaning
The subject of the print is a woman lost in thought, conveying a sense of introspection. Her attire suggests a certain social standing, yet the overall mood is one of quiet contemplation rather than opulence. The title, 'You May Count on Me!', introduces an element of assurance or promise, though its direct relation to the depicted scene is left to interpretation.
Technique & Style
Saint-Aubin employed etching and engraving to achieve a detailed, high-contrast image. Fine lines define the subject's delicate features and the texture of her clothing, while the techniques also facilitate smooth shading, adding depth to the composition. The interplay of sharp details and subtle gradations showcases the artist's mastery of printmaking.
History & Provenance
Created in 1789 by Augustin de Saint-Aubin, a member of a renowned French family of designers and engravers, this print reflects the artist's roots in late 18th-century French printmaking traditions.
Context
Comptez sur mes sermens situates itself within the late 18th-century French art scene, where printmaking was a vibrant medium for artistic expression. The work aligns with the period's attention to detail and the exploration of everyday, intimate moments.
Legacy
While specific details on the print's direct legacy are not provided, it contributes to the broader appreciation of Augustin de Saint-Aubin's contribution to French printmaking history and the evolution of etching and engraving techniques in the late 18th century.
Artist & collection
Artist
Augustin de Saint-Aubin sometimes styled Auguste de Saint-Aubin (3 January 1736 – 9 November 1807), belongs to an important dynasty of French designers and engravers.
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