AUDRAN, John, the third son of Germain Audran, was born at Lyons in 1667; and, after having received instructions from his father, went to Paris to perfect himself in the art of engraving under his uncle Gerard Audran. At the age of 20 years, the genius of this great artist began to display itself in a surprising manner; and his future success was such, that in 1707, he obtained the title of engraver to the king, and had a pension allowed him by his majesty, with apartments in the Gobelins; and the following year he was made a member of the Royal Academy. He was 80 years of age before he quitted the graver; and near 90 when he died at his apartments assigned him by the king. He left three sons behind him; one of whom was also an engraver, as we shall see below. "The most masterly and best prints of this artist (in Mr Strutt's opinion) are those which are 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 scientific hand of the master appears in them on examination. The drawing of the human figure, where it is shown, is correct. The heads are expressive and finely finished; the other extremities well marked. He has not, however, equalled his uncle. He wants that harmony in the effect; his lights are too much and too equally covered; and there is not sufficient difference between the style in which he has engraved his back grounds and his draperies. This observation refers to a fine print by him of Athaliah, and such as he engraved in that style. At other times he seems almost to have quitted the point, and substituted the graver. But here I think he has not so well succeeded. The effect is cold and silvery: see, for example, the Andromache from Sylvestre. One of his best finished prints, in this neat style, seems to me to be Cupid and Psyche from Ant. Coypel."