Laban Searching for His Household Gods - Augustin de Saint-Aubin

An expressive 18th-century etching by Augustin de Saint-Aubin depicting the biblical narrative of Laban searching for his stolen idols.

This etching depicts a scene from the Book of Genesis, where Laban searches the tents of Jacob for his stolen household idols. Augustin de Saint-Aubin, a member of a prominent family of French engravers, captures the dramatic tension of the encounter through fluid, expressive line work. The composition centres on the seated figure of Rachel, who remains composed while concealing the teraphim beneath her. Laban stands to the right, gesturing with an air of authority, while other figures occupy the shaded, tented space.

The artist employs a variety of hatching techniques to define the textures of the drapery, the rough ground, and the atmospheric quality of the tent interior. The scene is characteristic of the period, balancing narrative clarity with the decorative sensibilities of the eighteenth-century French school. Saint-Aubin demonstrates a mastery of the etching needle, using varying pressure to create depth and shadow without relying on heavy tonal washes. The work reflects the interest in biblical themes that persisted alongside the more secular subjects of the Rococo era.

This print offers a glimpse into the technical skill required for reproductive printmaking during the late eighteenth century. The figures are rendered with a sense of movement, and the interaction between the characters is conveyed through posture and gesture. The composition is contained within a defined border, typical of the period's approach to framing narrative prints. This piece is a fine example of the graphic output of the Saint-Aubin family, whose contributions to French print culture remain documented in major museum collections across Europe.