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Gabriel-Jacques de Saint-Aubin, 'A Street Show in Paris', 1760

About the work

Overview

Framed beneath an arch of tall trees, a small crowd watches two characters from commedia dell’arte (a popular form of comic theatre) engaged in a mock duel. The show is watched by a mix of male and female characters from various social classes, ranging from young children to the elderly. This is very likely a street performance in the boulevard du Temple, which by the 1760s had become a lively area filled with cafés, inns, shops, street performers and permanent theatrical venues.

Saint-Aubin worked primarily as a graphic artist, earning his living from making etchings and engravings and illustrating books. He portrayed everyday life in Paris, including aspects of it overlooked by more established artists. His humorous sketches of the Parisian scene often showed recognisable locations. Saint-Aubin had ambitions to be a painter, and this rare painting from 1760 is typical of his choice of subject and lively treatment.

Key facts

Details

Full title
A Street Show in Paris
Artist dates
1724 - 1780
Date made
1760
Medium and support
oil on canvas
Dimensions
80 × 64.1 cm
Acquisition credit
Bought, 1907
Inventory number
NG2129
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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