Who painted Salomon Gessner?

Salomon Gessner was painted by Augustin de Saint-Aubin in 1775.

Where can I see Salomon Gessner?

Salomon Gessner is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Salomon Gessner?

Salomon Gessner is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Salomon Gessner

Augustin de Saint-Aubin , 1775

Salomon Gessner is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Augustin de Saint-Aubin. It dates from 1775 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1775, this print presents a portrait of Salomon Gessner, the Swiss poet and painter celebrated for his pastoral writings. Executed by Augustin de Saint‑Aubin, a member of a prominent French family of engravers, the image is composed on laid paper and combines engraving with etching techniques to render a nuanced, monochrome likeness.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, Gessner, is shown with curly hair, dressed in a light‑colored shirt with a loose collar and a bow tie. An oval frame encloses the figure, topped by a ribbon bearing his name, while a lower banner carries French text, emphasizing his cultural identity and the esteem in which he was held by contemporary French audiences.

Technique & Style

Saint‑Aubin employed a hybrid process, first etching the composition and then refining it with engraving, allowing for fine line work and subtle tonal gradations. The print’s palette consists of varied grays, with the facial features and clothing rendered in greater detail than the background, creating a delicate contrast that highlights the portrait’s intimacy.

History & Provenance

The work reflects the 18th‑century French printmaking tradition, wherein portrait prints served both documentary and decorative purposes. Produced by Augustin de Saint‑Aubin, whose career spanned the mid‑1700s, the piece likely circulated among collectors interested in literary figures, contributing to Gessner’s reputation beyond Switzerland.

Artist & collection

Artist

Augustin de Saint-Aubin

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.