Charles Germain de Saint-Aubin

Charles Germain de Saint-Aubin was a printmaker active during the mid-eighteenth century, with his documented artistic output spanning the years 1741 to 1756. His work is characterized by detailed etchings, often grouped into decorative and thematic series.

Fifteen of Charles Germain de Saint-Aubin’s prints are currently represented in major institutional holdings. A significant portion of his known oeuvre comprises studies published under the title Essai de Papilloneries Humaines (also cited as Premier Essai de Papilloneries Humaines). This series includes works such as La Brouette (The Bath Chair), Country Ballet (Ballet Champêtre), French Theatre (Théatre Français), and Italian Theatre (Théatre Italien). Other examples demonstrate an interest in detailed botanical illustration, including Hyacinthe and Passion Fruit Flower, published as plate two from the set Mes Petits Bouquets.

The value of Charles Germain de Saint-Aubin prints is established by their preservation in prominent American collections, including the National Gallery of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. These museum-quality works are often available today as high-quality prints, facilitating continued research into his eighteenth-century designs.