Sketchbook page c. 1776

Curator: This is a page from a sketchbook by Gabriel Jacques de Saint-Aubin, part of our collection at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: There's a certain intimacy to this page, a quiet moment captured in gray pencil. It feels immediate, like a glimpse into the artist's mind. Curator: Indeed. Saint-Aubin was known for capturing scenes of Parisian life. Note the layering of marks, the visible construction. It's not just the subject, but the very act of drawing that's on display here. Editor: I'm also drawn to the rough quality of the sketch itself. You can almost feel the pressure of the pencil on the page, the immediacy of the artist's hand. It's a raw and honest depiction. Curator: The composition also invites contemplation. The spatial relationships create depth, while the sparse application of graphite highlights the contrast between light and shadow. Editor: It is a fascinating example of how materials and method affect the artwork. Curator: A good reminder of how much can be conveyed through line and form. Editor: It certainly gives one a new appreciation for the art of sketching.