Israel Silvestre

Between 1630 and 1650 Silvestre travelled widely in France, Spain and Italy, which he visited three times, and later worked up his sketches as etchings, which were sold singly and in series. His work, especially of Venetian subjects published in the 1660s, influenced eighteenth-century painters of vedute such as Luca Carlevaris and Canaletto, who adapted his compositions. In 1661 he inherited Henriet's stock of plates, among which was a large part of the works of Callot, and many of those of Stefano della Bella. In 1662 he was appointed dessinateur et graveur du Roi and in 1673 he was appointed drawing-master to Louis, le Grand Dauphin. From 1668 he was granted workshop space in the galleries of the Louvre, where the practice of housing eminent artists and craftsmen was a tradition that was originated under Henri IV. Silvestre's atelier was large: he had at least two pupils who had separate careers as engravers, François Noblesse and Meunier. In 1670 Charles Le Brun recommended him for membership in the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture. In 1675 his son, the artist Louis de Silvestre, was born in Sceaux. At his death he left a large collection of drawings, more than a thousand engravings, and other works of art to his sons, whose own artistic tastes he had nurtured. The family collection was sold at auction in 1810.

The recorded working language is French and Latin. The field of work recorded is visual arts, painting and copper engraving technique. Places of work recorded in the authority are Italy and Paris. Positions recorded include court painter. Work by Israel Silvestre is recorded in the collections of Städel Museum, Minneapolis Institute of Art, The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Auckland Art Gallery and National Gallery of Canada.

The royal party at Les Plaisirs de l'Isle enchantée, held in the gardens of Versailles during the reign of Louis XIV, on May 7-13 1664. • Illustration — The first feast day (Première Journée): Procession by the Knights of Charlemagne (7 May 1664) • Illustration — The second feast day (Deuxième Journée): The Princess of Elis (8 May 1664) • Illustration — The third feast day (Troisième Journée): Ballet at the Castle of Alcina (9 May 1664)

The authorities additionally record the headings Israel, the younger Silvestre, Israél, the younger Silvestre, Israel Siluestre, Israel Sylvestre and Israël, le jeune Silvestre. His recorded languages were French and Latin. He married Henriette Sélincart. 3 children are recorded: Louis de Silvestre, Louis Silvestre and Charles-François Silvestre. Other recorded relations include Marie-Maximilienne de Silvestre.

The Sainte Chapelle and the Chambre des Comptes in Paris. The royal gardens at the Faubourg S. Victoire in Paris. A triumphal arch in a garden. Recorded as painter, engraver, draftsperson, etcher and art collector.