Theatrical Divertissement Offered at a Gala Evening Party 1735 - 1780

Gabriel de Saint-Aubin created this drawing with pen, brown ink, and watercolor on laid paper. It depicts a gala evening party, a snapshot of leisure and entertainment of the French elite. The light washes of color suggest the ephemeral nature of the event itself. The layered strokes of ink and watercolor reveal the artist's engagement with the paper's texture, almost as if the artwork is a performance in and of itself. The application of color is not about rendering reality, but capturing a mood through the fluidity of watercolor. The artist's technique can be seen as analogous to the social rituals being depicted. Just as the partygoers adhere to certain customs, the artist follows certain conventions in his handling of the materials. There is a shared understanding between the artist and the audience, creating a subtle commentary on class and social performance. This drawing offers a glimpse into a world of privilege, while reminding us of the labor involved in creating both the social event and the artwork itself.