Paris byder Christian VII velkommen 1768

Gabriel de Saint-Aubin made this sketch of "Paris byder Christian VII velkommen" in 1768, a delicate rendering in graphite. It captures a moment of political theater, the welcoming of Denmark's King Christian VII to Paris. The drawing speaks to the spectacle of royal visits, meticulously staged to project power and foster diplomatic ties. Yet, it's impossible to ignore the backdrop against which this event unfolded. France, on the cusp of revolution, grappled with stark social inequalities. The monarchy's opulence stood in stark contrast to the struggles of the common people. Saint-Aubin's choice of medium adds another layer. The sketch is ephemeral, fleeting. It's as if the artist is asking: how long can this staged harmony last? The grand gesture is rendered with tentative lines, a subtle critique of the pomp and circumstance that defined the era. It’s a quiet nod to the winds of change that would soon sweep through France.