Artwork

Title Page (Le Titre)

Title Page (Le Titre), by Charles Germain de Saint-Aubin, ink, 1756
Title Page (Le Titre), by Charles Germain de Saint-Aubin, ink, 1756

Title Page (Le Titre) is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Charles Germain de Saint-Aubin. It dates from 1756 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Title Page (Le Titre) is an etching on laid paper created by Charles Germain de Saint-Aubin in 1756.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a fantastical scene with a central tree, surrounded by a multitude of tiny figures, objects, and natural elements. The image is dense with symbolism and narrative hints, as conveyed through the arrangement of butterflies, flowers, and human-like figures.

Technique & Style

The work showcases the artist's skill with etching, a technique that allows for intricate detail and delicate lines. The composition is characterized by its dense, layered quality and a blend of natural and human-made elements.

Context

The inscription 'Essai de Papilloneries Humaines' on the tree trunk suggests a thematic connection to human and natural worlds, potentially framing the work as an experimental or imaginative exploration.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.