Henri Le Roy

Henri Le Roy was a French engraver active in the early 17th century. He specialized in architectural and ornamental etchings. His exact birth and death dates are not documented, but he is believed to have been born around 1579 and was active until at least 1651. Le Roy created intricate designs highlighting the Renaissance and Baroque styles that were prevalent during his lifetime. His works include decorative friezes and architectural motifs, which were in demand for their aesthetic appeal and craftsmanship. One of his known pieces, Frieze with Birds, is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and demonstrates his skill with ornamental themes—depicting birds in a stylized, elongated frieze that illustrates the popular motifs of his period.

Le Roy’s engravings were notable for their clarity and precision, and he was often commissioned to decorate books and architectural plans. His name frequently appeared on plates as “Henri Le Roy excu,” indicating that he was both an artist and publisher, a common practice among engravers of that period. His works were collected and admired throughout France and beyond, contributing to his reputation as a skilled and versatile artist of engravings and etchings in decorative arts collections worldwide.