Who painted Ballet from "The Rival Fairies"?

Ballet from "The Rival Fairies" was painted by Gabriel de Saint-Aubin in 1748.

Where can I see Ballet from "The Rival Fairies"?

Ballet from "The Rival Fairies" is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Ballet from "The Rival Fairies"?

Ballet from "The Rival Fairies" is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Ballet from "The Rival Fairies"

Gabriel de Saint-Aubin , 1748

Ballet from "The Rival Fairies" is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Gabriel de Saint-Aubin. It dates from 1748 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Gabriel de Saint‑Aubin’s drawing titled *Ballet from “The Rival Fairies*” dates from 1748.

About this work

Overview

Gabriel de Saint‑Aubin’s drawing titled *Ballet from “The Rival Fairies*” dates from 1748. Executed on light‑beige laid paper, the work combines pen‑drawn outlines with a subtle gray wash, and is framed by a faint border rendered in the same media. Though modest in size, the piece exemplifies the artist’s capacity to convey narrative movement through economical means.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts a ballet performance, likely drawn from a scene in the theatrical entertainment known as *The Rival Fairies*. Dancers are captured mid‑step, their gestures suggesting a lively exchange between characters. The emphasis on motion and interaction reflects the 18th‑century fascination with staged spectacles and the interplay of mythic rivalry and dance.

Technique & Style

The loose border line, also in pen and gray ink, frames the scene without imposing a rigid frame, reinforcing the drawing’s informal, sketch‑like quality.

Saint‑Aubin employs fine pen lines to delineate the figures, while a delicate gray wash adds tonal depth and atmosphere. Cross‑hatching within the wash creates subtle shading, allowing the artist to model bodies and fabrics without heavy coloration. The loose border line, also in pen and gray ink, frames the scene without imposing a rigid frame, reinforcing the drawing’s informal, sketch‑like quality.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑1740s, the drawing belongs to a period when French artists frequently produced preparatory studies for theatrical productions. It remains a testament to Saint‑Aubin’s role as a draughtsman for courtly entertainments. The work’s provenance traces back to private collections before entering a museum holding of 18th‑century French graphic art, where it continues to be studied for its illustrative precision.