Artwork
Simon-Nicolas-Henri Linguet
Simon-Nicolas-Henri Linguet is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Augustin de Saint-Aubin. It dates from 1780 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
This black-and-white portrait shows a man with curly hair, a high collar, and a fur-lined robe.
This black-and-white portrait shows a man with curly hair, a high collar, and a fur-lined robe. His face is serious, framed by a round border inside a rectangular box. The background is plain, and the lines are sharp, giving it a detailed look.
The name "S. N. H. Linguet" is written below, along with the year 1736—though the engraving itself is from 1780. The artist used a mix of lines to create texture, especially in the fur and hair.
Next, check out etching to see how artists like Saint-Aubin made prints like this.
Overview
This 1780 print, created by Augustin de Saint-Aubin, is a portrait of Simon-Nicolas-Henri Linguet, a French writer and lawyer. The work is an engraving over etching on laid paper, showcasing the artist's skill in combining techniques to achieve a detailed representation.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Linguet with a serious expression, dressed in attire indicative of his status. The image conveys a sense of gravitas, reflecting his reputation for controversial political writings.
Technique & Style
The artist employed a range of lines to create texture, particularly in the subject's fur-lined robe and curly hair. The sharp, detailed rendering is characteristic of Saint-Aubin's work, and the contrast between the subject and plain background emphasizes the figure.
History & Provenance
Created in 1780 by Augustin de Saint-Aubin, who was active during a period of flourishing printmaking in France, this portrait is a product of the late 18th-century visual culture.
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.
