Sketchbook page c. 1776

Curator: This small sketchbook page by Gabriel Jacques de Saint-Aubin at the Harvard Art Museums captures, with minimal strokes, a horse-drawn carriage. Editor: It’s so light, almost ephemeral! The quick strokes give it a sense of movement, even though it's static. Curator: Note the economy of line. Saint-Aubin reduces the carriage to its essential forms, focusing on the interplay of geometric shapes and the suggestion of volume through shading. Editor: But what about the carriage itself? It signifies status, doesn't it? The aspiration for upward mobility within 18th century French society, perhaps? Curator: Possibly, but more directly, the sketch showcases Saint-Aubin's mastery of contour drawing and his ability to convey information with incredible efficiency. The spatial relationships are deftly rendered. Editor: Perhaps. But the simplicity of the drawing evokes a dreamlike quality – a yearning for a life of elegance and ease. It's more than just lines; it's a symbol. Curator: Ultimately, this work reveals how a simple sketch can demonstrate sophisticated understanding of form and composition. Editor: It’s fascinating how a simple carriage sketch becomes a vessel for the viewer’s own aspirations and nostalgia.