Royal Review of the Troops c. 1760s

Gabriel de Saint-Aubin made this drawing, "Royal Review of the Troops," using pen, ink, and watercolor. Here we see a military event likely designed to project power and maintain social order. Made in France in the late 18th century, the image presents an intriguing view into the world of the Old Regime, with its rigid social hierarchies and its self-conscious displays of royal authority. Saint-Aubin's light touch, however, almost pokes fun at the supposed grandeur of the occasion, as does his inclusion of ordinary onlookers. The composition invites us to question the reality behind the spectacle. Is it a genuine display of strength, or just a performance? Historians can consult documents from the period, such as military records, royal correspondence, and even popular pamphlets, to better understand the complex politics of imagery at this time. Studying art history in this way is key to understanding art not as a product of individual genius, but as a reflection of social conditions.