Don Quixote embraces Sancho before the squire leaves for the Island of Barataria - Augustin de Saint-Aubin

An eighteenth-century etching by Augustin de Saint-Aubin depicting a scene from Don Quixote, showcasing fine line work and classical composition.

This fine etching by Augustin de Saint-Aubin captures a specific moment from Miguel de Cervantes's literary classic, Don Quixote. The scene depicts the emotional departure of Sancho Panza as he prepares to govern the Island of Barataria. Saint-Aubin, a member of a prominent family of French engravers, demonstrates his technical precision through the delicate cross-hatching and varied line weights used to define the architectural ruins and the figures in the foreground.

The composition is framed within a classical setting, featuring a circular colonnade that provides a sense of depth and scale. The figures are rendered with the characteristic grace of the eighteenth-century French school, focusing on the expressive gestures of the two protagonists. Don Quixote is shown in his armour, embracing his squire, while surrounding courtiers observe the interaction. The inclusion of the number '9' at the top indicates its origin as a plate from a larger series or edition of the novel, common for the period.

Saint-Aubin was highly regarded for his ability to translate complex narrative scenes into small-scale prints. His work often appeared in luxury editions of literary texts, where the quality of the engraving was as important as the text itself. The print displays a balance between the theatrical nature of the subject and the disciplined, clean lines of the etching process. The background, with its crumbling stone walls and hints of vegetation, adds a layer of atmosphere to the narrative, grounding the characters in a physical space that feels both ancient and immediate. This print offers a glimpse into the eighteenth-century interpretation of Cervantes, reflecting the period's fascination with chivalric themes and the satirical humour inherent in the original text.