Léopold Flameng (1831-1911)

Léopold Flameng (1831–1911) was born to French parents in Brussels where he trained as an engraver with Luigi Calamatta. He collaborated on several projects with Calamatta, who had a considerable reputation as a reproductive engraver of contemporary French and old master paintings. Flameng went to Paris in 1853 where he learned the technique of etching, and tried unsuccessfully to launch himself as an original etcher. However, he proved himself a versatile copyist, able to reproduce successfully the work of a broad range of painters in both etching and engraving. He made more than 800 plates for many different projects over his lifetime. His prints were widely collected in the United States by New York art dealer Samuel P. Avery among others.