Augustin de Saint-Aubin

Paris 1736–1807

The engraver and draughtsman, Augustin de Saint-Aubin, was taught by his two elder brothers and then apprenticed to Étienne Fessard and Laurent Cars. In 1771 he became an agrée at the Academy and, after Fessard’s death, was awarded the honorary title of Graveur de la bibliothèque du Roi. Saint-Aubin produced a substantial printed œuvre and also distinguished himself as an illustrator. Saint-Aubin ranks among the most skilled and accomplished of 18th century French portrait engravers; his very vivid and entertaining portrait drawings of Parisian society ladies and actresses perfectly reflect the elegant court culture of the Ancien régime.