JEAN AUDRAN

jean audran, nephew of gerard, was born at lyons in 1667. after having received instructions from his father, he went to paris to perfect himself in the art of engraving under his uncle, next to whom he was the most distinguished member of his family. at the age of twenty his genius began to display itself in a surprising manner; and his subsequent success was such, that in 1707 he obtained the title of engraver to the king, louis xiv., who allowed him a pension, with apartments in the gobelins; and the following year he was made a member of the royal academy. he was eighty years of age before he quitted the graver, and nearly ninety when he died. the best prints of this artist are those which appear not so pleasing to the eye at first sight. in these the etching constitutes a great part; and he has finished them in a bold, rough style. the "rape of the sabines," after poussin, is considered his masterpiece.