Alexandre Lunois

Etcher and lithographer Alexandre Lunois was born in Paris. In 1880, he apprenticed with the Parisian printer-lithographer Achille Sirouy, under whom he produced his first two lithographs and an etching, all based on the work of leading artists. These three prints were shown at the Salon of French artists in 1882, and Lunois continued to exhibit such work - derived from originals created by masters such as Delacroix, Daumier, and Béraud - through the salon of 1890. In 1886, Lunois began producing original etchings and in 1888 he explored the low countries followed by travels through Algeria and Morocco, returning to Paris with a portfolio of sketches and drawings in late 1889.

He at once began to work with both color and black-and-white lithography and exhibited five lithographs in black at the Universal Exhibition that year. He attracted the attention of noted dealer Edmund Sagot, who first published his lithographs; from 1894, he was represented by gallerist and editor Gustave Pellet. Lunois died at Pecq, in the western suburbs of Paris, where he had settled. - Brier Hill Gallery