Claude, a French engraver, was the son of Louis Audran, an officer belonging to the wolf-hunters in the reign of Henry IV. of France. He was born at Paris in 1592, and died at Lyons in 1677. Though he never acquired much reputation by his own works, he was the father of three great artists, Germain, Claude, and Girard; the last of whom has immortalized the name of the family.

Carl, brother to the preceding, was born at Paris in 1594. In his infancy he discovered a great taste for the arts; and to perfect himself in engraving, went to Rome, where he produced several prints which did him great honour. On his return he adopted that species of engraving which is performed with the graver only. He settled at Paris, where he died in 1674. In the early part of his life he marked his prints with C, or the name of Carl, till his brother Claude published some plates with the initial only of his baptismal name, when, for distinction's sake, he used the letter K.

Germain, the eldest son of Claude, was born in 1631, at Lyons. Not content with the instructions of his father, he went to Paris and perfected himself under his uncle Carl; and on his return to Lyons, published several prints which contributed much to his reputation. He was made a member of the academy established in that town, and chosen a professor. He died at Lyons in 1710, and left behind him four sons, all artists, namely, Claude, Benoît, Jean, and Louis.

Claude, the second of this name, and second son to Claude above mentioned, was born at Lyons in 1639, and went to Rome to study painting. On his return he was employed by Le Brun to assist him in various works. He was made an academician in 1675, and died at Paris in 1684.

Girard, or Gérard, the most celebrated artist of the whole family, was the third son of the Claude Audran first mentioned, and was born at Lyons in 1640. He was taught the first principles of design and engraving by his father; and, following the example of his brother, went to Paris, and afterwards to Rome, to perfect himself in his art. At Rome, where he resided three years, he engraved several fine plates. That great patron of the arts, M. Colbert, was so struck with the beauty of Audran's works, that he persuaded Louis XIV. to recall him to Paris. On his return he 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 at Paris in 1703. His greatest works are his engravings of Le Brun's Battles of Alexander.

"He was," says the Abbé Fontenai, "the most celebrated..." engraver that ever existed in the historical line. We have several subjects which he engraved from his own designs, that manifested as much taste as character and facility. But in the Battles of Alexander he surpassed even the expectations of Le Brun himself.

Audran, Benoit, the second son of Germain Audran, was born at Lyons in 1661. He studied, first under his father, and afterwards at Paris, under his uncle Girard. Though he never equalled his preceptor, yet he deservedly acquired a high reputation by the boldness and clearness of his style. He died at Louzouer in 1721.

Audran, Jean, the third son of Germain Audran, was born at Lyons in 1657. After having received instructions from his father, he went to Paris to perfect himself in the art of engraving under his uncle Girard, 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, 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 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.

Audran, Louis, the last son of Germain Audran, was born at Lyons in 1670, and thence went to Paris, after the example of his brothers, to complete his studies in the school of his uncle Girard. He died suddenly at Paris in 1712, before he had produced any great number of prints. His best work is The Seven Acts of Mercy.

Audran, Benoit, the younger, was the son of Jean Audran, and nephew to the former Benoit. He engraved but few plates, and, in point of merit, is vastly inferior to his uncle.