Gabriel de Saint-Aubin (1724–1780) was a prolific and unconventional draftsman whose drawings invite viewers into every corner of the French capital. As an observer and chronicler, he prowled the streets of Paris and recorded the full spectrum of daily life in his sketchbooks, from shop interiors to art auctions and public gardens to rowdy street fairs. Everything he saw was worthy of his attention, wit, and empathy.
Saint-Aubin’s body of work is made up almost entirely of tiny, portable, and intricate works on paper. Taken together, these countless sketches give rise to a deeper view of the city as an organic form. Beyond capturing the tangible, they bring to light the pride and aspirations of Paris in the 18th century, a time when sites were being destroyed, rebuilt, and reimagined.
Marking the 300th anniversary of his birth, the exhibition features a thematic arrangement demonstrating the breadth of Saint-Aubin’s interests. Examples of his drawings and prints, drawn from The Met’s holdings and local private collections, are complemented by a selection of works by his family and contemporaries, offering a context for his career and highlighting the unique nature of his vision.
