A Street Show in Paris
- Artist: Gabriel-Jacques de Saint-Aubin
- Date: 1760
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is "A Street Show in Paris" painted by Gabriel-Jacques de Saint-Aubin.
In this vibrant painting from 1760, we see a lively street performance unfolding before our eyes. The scene is set in the boulevard du Temple, an area of Paris that had become famous for its street performers and permanent theatrical venues. Saint-Aubin was primarily known as a graphic artist, but he had ambitions to be a painter, and this rare work showcases his skill and creativity.
As we look around the painting, we see a diverse crowd watching the performance, ranging from young children to the elderly. They're all drawn in by the energy of the scene, which is taking place on a small stage framed beneath an arch of tall trees. The performers are likely actors from commedia dell'arte, dressed as Neapolitan Scaramouche and Harlequin, engaging in a duel that's both humorous and slightly menacing.
The painting is full of vignettes and details that give us a sense of everyday life in Paris at this time. We see a waiter with his arm around his companion, a child trying to get her attention, and even a boy sleeping on a bass drum after sounding the drum roll to announce the performance. Despite the chaos of the scene, Saint-Aubin's use of colour and composition creates a sense of harmony and balance.
This painting is a unique snapshot of Parisian life in the 18th century, full of energy and vitality. It's a rare example of Saint-Aubin's work as a painter, and it gives us a glimpse into the world of street performances that were so popular in this era.
See it in person
A Street Show in Paris hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
