Artwork preview

Le Bateleur (The Street Performer)

Charles Germain de Saint-Aubin

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a detailed scene with a large butterfly at the center, another butterfly below it, an ornate chair with a goblet to the right, and part of a violin to the left among foliage. A horizontal ladder connects the chair to the foreground. The drawing is in monochrome, with shades of brown and beige, giving it a vintage aesthetic. It features a blend of natural and crafted elements gathered in a whimsical design, with central butterflies holding prominent positions bridging elements with connecting lines.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1748, published in or after 1754
Medium
etching on laid paper
Dimensions
4914 × 3287 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
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