Germain-Augustin and Rose de Saint-Aubin, Drawn by Their Uncle. Artist: Gabriel de Saint-Aubin (French, Paris 1724-1780 Paris). Dimensions: 7 3/16 x 4 13/16 in. (18.2 x 12.2 cm). Date: 1766.During the Rococo period, French artists frequently depicted children, sometimes at play and spontaneous in their gestures and expressions, but also engaged in study, their education the foundation for the future of society. In 1766, Saint-Aubin, a draftsman and chronicler of Parisian cultural life, drew a portrait of his niece and nephew in profile. Based on preparatory studies made after life, this finished drawing presents the children as well educated and well behaved, with the restraint and self-confidence of adults. Rose, seated at right, holds a hurdy-gurdy, a musical instrument popular in the eighteenth century. Museum: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA.