Artwork
Peter the Great
Peter the Great is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Augustin de Saint-Aubin. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Peter the Great is an engraving over etching on laid paper, created by French artist Augustin de Saint-Aubin in 1800. This black-and-white portrait depicts a man with curly hair, a high collar, and a ruffled shirt, turned slightly to the side, within a round border and labeled 'PIERRE I' below.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, identified as Peter the Great, is portrayed in a formal manner, suggesting an emphasis on conveying power and importance. The composition and details align with traditional formal portraiture conventions.
Technique & Style
The print combines etching and engraving techniques on laid paper. Fine lines are used to achieve detailed renderings of hair and fabric textures, exemplifying the precision characteristic of French printmaking during the late 18th century.
History & Provenance
Created in 1800 by Augustin de Saint-Aubin, a member of a prominent French artistic family, the work is rooted in the late 18th-century French printmaking tradition. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
'Peter the Great' reflects the broader artistic context of its time, showcasing the blend of etching and engraving skills prevalent among French designers and engravers of the period.
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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