François Godefroy

François Godefroy was a printmaker active during the latter half of the 18th century, with his documented artistic period spanning 1763 to 1784. His extant output, consisting entirely of prints, is represented in major American institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Five specific works are preserved in museum collections, providing insight into his thematic range and execution.

Godefroy’s prints encompass both pastoral and historical subjects. Four documented works draw upon classical or allegorical themes, including The Fresh Morning, The Rustic Orpheus, The Children of Pomona, and The Disciples of Flora. These pieces contrast with a highly detailed historical depiction documenting a pivotal event of the American Revolutionary War: Sarratoga [sic] (The Surrender of General Burgoyne to General Horatio Gates, Battle of Saratoga, October 17, 1777). This print establishes Godefroy's engagement with contemporary political and military narratives.

The preserved works confirm Godefroy’s role as a significant printmaker in the 1760s and 1770s. Today, original examples of François Godefroy prints are held in permanent collections. Due to the age and historical nature of these pieces, many images are now available in the public domain, providing access for researchers and collectors seeking museum-quality reproductions and high-quality prints.