Jew of Lorraine

Sébastien Leclerc is considered one of the best French artists of the seventeenth century, admired particularly for his skill in composition. Born in Metz, France, he moved to Paris in 1654. Leclerc joined the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture in 1672 and taught perspective there. He was appointed Royal Engraver by Louis XIV. He also worked as a technical draftsman and military engineer.