Placing of the first stone for the church of Saint Genevieve
Saint-Aubin took a keen interest in the decades-long construction of the church of Saint Genevieve, designed by the architect Jacques Germain Soufflot (1713–1780). Dedicated to the patron saint of Paris, it was funded by the crown and therefore also meant to celebrate the king’s role in the glory of the French capital.
This oval design by Saint-Aubin commemorating the laying of the foundation stone was engraved by Chenu and published in 1766. The ceremony took place before a canvas mock-up of the as yet unbuilt facade.
This oval design by Saint-Aubin commemorating the laying of the foundation stone was engraved by Chenu and published in 1766. The ceremony took place before a canvas mock-up of the as yet unbuilt facade.
Artwork Details
- Title: Placing of the first stone for the church of Saint Genevieve
- Artist: After Gabriel de Saint-Aubin (French, Paris 1724–1780 Paris)
- Etcher: Pierre Chenu (French, Paris 1730–late 18th century)
- Date: 1766
- Medium: Etching
- Dimensions: sheet: 7 1/2 x 4 5/8 in. (19 x 11.7 cm)
image: 7 1/16 x 4 7/16 in. (18 x 11.2 cm) - Classification: Prints
- Credit Line: The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1987
- Object Number: 1987.1044.4
- Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints
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