Allegorie des mariages faits par la ville de Paris a la naissance du Duc de Bourgogne 1751

Gabriel de Saint-Aubin created this etching, "Allegorie des mariages faits par la ville de Paris a la naissance du Duc de Bourgogne," at an unknown date. It’s an allegorical representation celebrating marriages arranged by the city of Paris in honor of the Duke of Burgundy's birth. The artwork captures the societal values and structures of 18th-century France, particularly concerning marriage, family, and social status. Marriage at the time was often less about individual choice and more about consolidating wealth and power. This artwork illustrates the city's role in these arrangements, reflecting the limited agency women had. Saint-Aubin's etching presents an idealized, almost dreamlike vision, yet we might consider the realities of these arranged marriages for the individuals involved, particularly young women, who often had little say in their futures. The multitude of cherubic figures creates a sense of celebration, but through today's eyes, the scene evokes reflection on the historical inequalities embedded in such practices.