Trade Card for Périer, Ironmonger
Gabriel de Saint-Aubin French
Printmakers often pulled proofs of works in progress. Such proof impressions helped artists see where they wanted to further etch the plate. In this example, Saint-Aubin used pen and ink to indicate where he intended to add lines to suggest folds in the hanging drapery.
In contrast to the professional printmakers of his day, Saint-Aubin wielded the etching needle in an experimental and intuitive manner. It is not unusual to find proof impressions of his designs recording various stages of work. Typically, he would return to the plate multiple times to add tone, texture, and contrast.
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