(Zoom) He was born in
Lyon and was taught the first principles of design and engraving by his father. Following the example of his brother, he went to Paris to perfect himself in his art. In 1666, he engraved for
Le Brun Constantines Battle with Laxentius, his
Triumph, and the
Stoning of Stephen, which gave great satisfaction to the painter, and placed Audran in the very first rank of engravers at
Paris. The next year he set out for
Rome, where he resided three years, and engraved several fine plates. He is reputed to have worked for or trained with
Carlo Maratta. That great patron of the arts,
J. B. Colbert, was so struck with Audran's works that he persuaded
Louis XIV to recall him to Paris. On his return, Audran applied himself assiduously to engraving, and was appointed
engraver to the king, from whom he received great encouragement. In the year 1681 he was admitted to the council of the
Royal Academy. He died in
Paris. His engravings of Le Bruns
Battles of Alexander are regarded as the best of his numerous works. Gerard published in 1683 a work entitled ''Les Proportions du corps humain mesurés sur les plus belles figures de l'antiquité''. ==References==