Augustin De Saint Aubin: Pair Of 18th Century Engravings

Art or craftsmanship was often, under the old regime, a family affair. The Saint Aubins were no exception. Augustin de Saint Aubin (1736-1807) was part of a brilliant family of designers and engravers. He was approved by the Royal Academy of Painting in 1771. He became engraver to the king in 1777. He engraved many portraits of the celebrities of his time. He was even responsible for engraving the ephemeral assignats during the revolution. The two engravings presented here were created in 1789. They respond to each other in a gallant and amusing way, in an erotic and subtle game so characteristic of this world which will soon evaporate. Some foxing (easily treatable) otherwise very good condition. They have been framed since the beginning of the 19th century (as evidenced by one of the unaltered blue cardboard backgrounds) in good pitch pine frames mounted with keys.