Don Quixote exits his house to become a wandering knight - Augustin de Saint-Aubin

An eighteenth-century etching by Augustin de Saint-Aubin depicting Don Quixote departing his home, accompanied by allegorical figures of folly and love.

This etching by the French artist Augustin de Saint-Aubin depicts a scene from Miguel de Cervantes's novel, Don Quixote. Saint-Aubin, a member of a prominent family of engravers, captures the moment the protagonist departs his home to pursue the life of a knight-errant. The composition is typical of eighteenth-century book illustration, employing precise line work to define the figures and the surrounding environment.

In the centre, Don Quixote sits atop his horse, clad in armour. He is accompanied by allegorical figures representing folly and love, which guide him toward his misguided quest. The background includes a windmill, a direct reference to the most famous episode in the narrative. The artist uses a delicate hatching technique to create depth and texture, particularly in the rendering of the clouds and the architectural details of the house. The inclusion of a caption at the bottom, written in French, identifies the subject matter and provides context for the viewer, noting that the character is led by folly and the love of Dulcinea.

Saint-Aubin was highly regarded for his ability to translate complex literary themes into small-scale graphic works. His approach here balances the narrative requirements of the text with the decorative sensibilities of the Rococo period. The print demonstrates the technical skill required for high-quality book production during this era, where the engraver had to maintain clarity while working on a limited surface area. This piece offers a glimpse into the reception of Cervantes's work in eighteenth-century France, where the tragicomic nature of the knight was a popular subject for artists and collectors alike. The work remains a fine example of the intersection between literature and the graphic arts.