Sketchbook page c. 1776

Curator: Here we have a sketchbook page by Gabriel Jacques de Saint-Aubin depicting a theatrical scene. Editor: It’s so immediate, capturing a fleeting moment. You get a sense of the audience's anticipation and energy. Curator: Saint-Aubin was known for these candid sketches of Parisian life, particularly in spaces like theaters and salons. The placement of figures really reflects the social hierarchies. Editor: Absolutely. The figures in the balcony are separated by more than just architecture. One wonders about their status and relationship to those in the stalls below. Are they implicated or simply observing? Curator: Saint-Aubin's quick strokes capture the visual culture of spectacle but also offer insights into societal structure. Editor: It makes me think about who has access, and who gets to participate in the cultural narratives being shaped. Curator: The sketch, then, exists as both art and social commentary. Editor: Precisely. A reminder that even seemingly simple drawings can hold layers of meaning and prompt reflection on social dynamics.