AUDRAN, Benoit, the second son of Germain Audran, was born at Lyons in 1661, where he learned the first principles of design and engraving under the instruction of his father. But soon after going to Paris, his uncle Gerard Audran took him under his tuition; and Benoit so greatly profited by his instructions, that though he never equalled the sublime style of his tutor, yet he deservedly acquired great reputation. Nay, the Abbé Fontenai adds this eulogium: "We admire in his works a share of those beauties which we find in the engravings of the illustrious Gerard." He was honoured with the appellation of the king's engraver, and received the royal pension. He was made an academician, and admitted into the council in 1715. He died unmarried at Louzouer, where he had an estate, in 1721. His manner was founded upon the bold clear style of his uncle. His outlines were firm and determined; his drawing correct; and the heads of his figures are in general very expressive; and the
Audran. the other extremities well marked. His works, when compared with those of his uncle, appear to want that mellowness and harmony which are so conspicuous in the latter; they are more dry; and the round dots with which he finished his flesh upon the lights are often too predominant. In his most finished plates, we find the mechanical part of the engraving extremely neat, and managed with great taste and judgment. Among his neatest prints may be reckoned that which represents Alexander sick, drinking from the cup which his physician presents to him: a circular plate, from Le Sueur.