Sketchbook page c. 1776

Curator: This is a page from the sketchbook of Gabriel Jacques de Saint-Aubin. It's a small pencil sketch, measuring about 19 by 12 centimeters, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: The immediate impression is one of softness, almost fragility. The young woman seems lost in thought, reclining on what appears to be a chaise lounge. Curator: Saint-Aubin often depicted everyday life in 18th-century Paris, offering a glimpse into the social and cultural norms of the time. This sketch is a good reminder of the era's ideals of femininity and leisure. Editor: The way the lines are constructed, particularly in her dress and the folds of fabric, suggests a hidden language of class and status. It hints at the symbolism of display and performance within aristocratic society. Curator: I agree. Knowing that Saint-Aubin sketched prolifically, this study also speaks to the broader culture of observing and documenting, an intellectual trend gaining momentum. Editor: It does leave me wondering about the woman's story. Considering Saint-Aubin’s life, was this perhaps a portrait of someone he knew? Curator: That's the magic, isn't it? The sketch's openness invites us to ponder its significance and its positionality. Editor: Indeed; it's fascinating how a simple sketch can unlock so many avenues of inquiry.