Sketchbook page c. 1776

Editor: So, this is a sketchbook page by Gabriel Jacques de Saint-Aubin. It's a quick sketch of a woman and I'm curious, what kind of role did portraiture play in society at the time? Curator: That's a great question. In Saint-Aubin's time, portraiture served a crucial function in solidifying social status and projecting particular images of the sitter. Think about the accessibility of portraiture – who had access to it and what message does this sketch communicate considering its medium? Editor: It’s a sketch, so presumably less formal or official. Curator: Precisely. This sketch then presents a more intimate, perhaps even casual, view compared to the formal portraits commissioned by the elite. The context of the sketchbook is also important. How does it alter our interpretation of the work? Editor: Knowing it's a sketchbook makes it seem more immediate and personal, a glimpse into the artist's process. Thanks for pointing that out. Curator: My pleasure. It demonstrates how the art object's context profoundly shapes its meaning and reception.