Louis Du Guernier

Who was Louis Du Guernier?

Louis Du Guernier was an engraver.

Louis, 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 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 smallpox 19 September 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.’

However, in the view of Hodnett he probably died around 1735.