Silvestre, Israel

, a celebrated French engraver, was born August 15, 1621, at Nanci, of a good family, originally Scotch. After his father’s decease, he went to Paris, where Israel Henriet, his mother’s brother, a skilful engraver, gladly received him, and educated him as his own son. He drew ajl the views of Paris and its environs, engraved them with great success, and went twice afterwards to Rome, whence he brought the great number of fine Italian views which he has left us. Louis XIV. being at length informed of this artist’s great genius, employed him to engrave all the royal palaces, conquered places, &c, and appointed him drawing master to the dauphin, allowing him a considerable pension besides, with apartments in the Louvre. Silvestre married Henrietta Selincart, a lady celebrated both for her wit and beauty, who dying in September 1680, he erected a superb monument to her memory in the church of St. Germain l'Auxerrois. He died October 11, 1691, aged seventy.

His works, which are very numerous, consisting of upwards of 700 prints, are executed with a fine point, and in a neat, clear style. The distant parts of his landscapes, in particular, are very finely expressed. They are very slight, yet no part of them is confused; but the effect is exceediagly agreeable to the eye. There are several volumes of his prints to be purchased in France, the value of which varies according to the goodness of the impressions. Hence those published near his time are in most request, and for the same reason the large collection published in 4 vols. oblong fol. in 1750, sells at a very inferior price. 2