# Le Duel (The Duel)

**Charles Germain de Saint-Aubin** (French, 1721–1786)  
in or after 1756  
etching on laid paper  
sheet (trimmed to plate mark): 33.1 x 23.7 cm (13 1/16 x 9 5/16 in.)

Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1958.8.132. [The museum's record](https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.45777.html).

## About this work

Charles Germain de Saint-Aubin made this (in or after 1756), aged 35. It is now at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.

### What you’re looking at

This is a drawing of anthropomorphic butterflies engaged in a duel with fencing swords. The butterflies have human-like bodies with wings resembling cloaks or capes. They stand on an ornate structure featuring decorative architectural elements like columns with floral and leaf motifs. Above them are arches, canopies, and hanging vines, creating a theatrical setting. The drawing combines fantasy and nature elements, showcasing elegance and imagination.

_Description from the National Gallery of Art._

### How it was made

- **Etching.** The artist draws with a needle through a waxy coating on a copper plate, and acid bites the exposed lines. The plate is then inked, wiped and printed under pressure, so the line keeps the freedom of drawing.
- **Laid paper.** Handmade on a mould of close-set wires, which leave fine parallel lines you can see when the sheet is held to the light.

### [Charles Germain de Saint-Aubin](https://www.ochreeditions.com/artists/charles-germain-de-saint-aubin)

French, 1721–1786

## Facts

- Type: Print
- The artist was 35
- Real size: about 13 × 9½ in (33 × 24 cm). The 11 × 14 in print is close to life size.
- Century: 18th century
- Subjects: plant, Figures
- Colour: brown
- Rights: public domain (CC0 1.0); free to use for any purpose.

## Get it

- Free download, full resolution: https://img.ochreeditions.com/m/1509.jpg?dl=1
- Image: https://img.ochreeditions.com/a/1509/1920.jpg
- Giclée reproduction on Hahnemühle Photo Rag: 8 × 10 in $28; 11 × 14 in $38; 12 × 16 in $42; 16 × 20 in $56; 18 × 24 in $68; 20 × 30 in $86
- Framed reproduction: 8 × 10 in $78; 11 × 14 in $98; 12 × 16 in $108; 16 × 20 in $138; 18 × 24 in $164; 20 × 30 in $208
- Canvas reproduction: 8 × 10 in $58; 11 × 14 in $72; 12 × 16 in $79; 16 × 20 in $98; 18 × 24 in $118
- Print-ready file: 8 × 10 in $2; 11 × 14 in $2; 12 × 16 in $3; 16 × 20 in $3; 18 × 24 in $3; 20 × 30 in $5

Sizes stop where the museum's file would print below 150 pixels per inch. Everything sold is a reproduction, made to order. [Order a print](https://www.ochreeditions.com/art/le-duel-the-duel-nga-45777).