Augustin De Saint Aubin: The Games Of The Little Rascals Of Paris. Complete Framed Series

Augustin de Saint Aubin (1736-1807) belonged to a dynasty of illustrators and engravers famous in the 18th century. His works were highly regarded; he was even accepted by the Royal Academy and became Engraver to the King in 1777. This complete series of six engravings, entitled "Here are the various gammes of the  young rascals of Paris," is typical of the era's taste for amusement, imbued with a gentle charm. While games like clogs, head-cutting, dimpling, and pit-pulling had long since disappeared from school playgrounds, spinning tops and rope were still known but rarely played. This set was a great success and was reissued in 1887 in a deluxe edition by Duclos. The engravings we are presenting have certainly been framed since the 19th century (one can see the trace of slight sun fading of the paper due to a mat that was once of a slightly different size). The frames are 19th century but very well restored by the framer who took care to keep your old ones, but made new mats. The overall effect is charming.