Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Du Guernier, Louis

1172278Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 16 — Du Guernier, Louis1888Lionel Henry Cust

DU GUERNIER, LOUIS (1677–1716), engraver, born in Paris in 1677, was probably a descendant of the well-known French artists of the same name. He was a pupil of Louis de Chatillon, and came to England in 1708. He was a member of the academy in Great Queen Street, and gained considerable skill as a designer, etcher, and engraver there. He was eventually chosen one of the directors, and remained so until he died. He was specially employed on small historical subjects, as illustrations to books and plays. In 1714 he was associated with Claude du Bosc [q. v.] in engraving the battles of the Duke of Marlborough. Among other plates engraved by him were portraits of the Duke and Duchess of Queensberry after Kneller, Dr. Isaac Barrow, Thomas Otway, and others; also an engraving of ‘Lot and his Daughters,’ after Michel Angelo da Caravaggio, done at the request of Charles, lord Halifax, and some plates for Baskett's large Bible. He died of small-pox 19 Sept. 1716, aged 39. Vertue says that ‘he was of stature rather low than middle size, very obliging, good temper, gentleman-like, and well beloved by all of his acquaintance.’

[Redgrave's Dict. of Artists; Bellier de la Chavignerie's Dictionnaire des Artistes Français; Vertue's MSS. (Brit. Mus. Add. MS. 23068); Bromley's Catalogue of Engraved British Portraits.]

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