Placing of the first stone for the church of Saint Genevieve

After Gabriel de Saint-Aubin French
 Etcher Pierre Chenu French

Not on view

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.

Placing of the first stone for the church of Saint Genevieve, After Gabriel de Saint-Aubin (French, Paris 1724–1780 Paris), Etching

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