Francois Langlois (Born May 12, 1589) was born in Chartres and he died on 14th January, 1647 in Paris. He was an engraver, painter, bookseller, printer, art dealer and publisher, best known for "Livre de Fleurs", his 1620 book which was a compendium of birds, garden flowers, and insects. He used to run a workshop in Paris from where he sold and turned out engraved prints. Langlois designed the title page for his book and had the botanical plates engraved by Gaultier Léonard, a German expert who also resided in Paris. He was inspired by other artists such as Barthélémy Gaultier, Claude Savary and Jean Le Clerc who was the editor of the book. The remaining plates were engraved and drawn by Langlois himself.
In 1645, he also published Magdeleine Pierre de Sainte-Marie's Horlogiography treaty (Traitté d'horlogiographie), which was a treatise on timekeeping, including methods for determining the time both by night and by day, how to cut regular geometrical shapes from wood or stone, the timing of tides, and all aspects of projection and measurement. His art sell in large numbers today and they are regarded by many collectors as their most valuable assets. Langlois left a legacy of artwork which has become the center of attraction for many art teachers and students. He participated in many art shows and exhibitions which helped in popularizing his art. Today, his art adorns the walls of many prestigious buildings around the world. They are also found on the walls of museums and many public places.
