Louis Joseph le Lorrain

Louis Joseph le Lorrain was active in the arts for over four decades, with his documented career spanning the years 1715 through 1756. His works reveal a consistent engagement with architectural studies, mythological narratives, and decorative design.

The artist’s output is represented in significant institutional collections across the United States, affirming his historical importance. These institutions include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Art, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Currently, the known body of work held in these museums consists of twelve pieces, encompassing 7 prints, 4 drawings, and 1 painting.

Louis Joseph le Lorrain prints are characterized by detailed graphic work, sometimes focusing on specific design elements, such as Frontispiece for a Suite of Vase Designs and Study for a Vase in a Suite of Vase Designs. Other notable works represented in collections demonstrate a mastery of classical and architectural subjects, including the elaborate drawing Architectural Fantasy with an Obelisk and Arcade and the narrative scene La Descente D'Ulysse Aux Enfers. The artist’s solitary documented canvas, recognized among Louis Joseph le Lorrain paintings, balances his extensive graphic contributions. The historical nature of his output ensures that high-quality digital copies of many items are now available in the public domain.