The Charlatan (Le charlatan)

Gabriel Jacques de Saint-Aubin

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a city scene with a speaker addressing a crowd. There is a central figure standing on a platform speaking to a group of people. To the left, a large equestrian statue is visible. The crowd below is engaged in various activities. The architectural details of the wagon and buildings add depth to the scene. Cloud formations are depicted in the sky with fine lines. The drawing uses lines and cross-hatching for texture and dimension, conveying a dynamic urban life.