Louis Bretez Explained

Louis Bretez (died 1737)^[1] was a draughtsman, engraver, cartographer and designer of architectural ornament.^{[2] [3]} In 1706 he published La Perspective pratique de l'Architecture.^{[4] [5]} He was a professor of perspective and a member of the Académie de peinture et de sculpture de Saint-Luc.^{[6] [3]}

In 1734 he was commissioned to draw up the Turgot map of Paris.^[4] By contract, Turgot requested a very faithful reproduction with great accuracy. Bretez was allowed to enter mansions, houses and gardens to take measurements and draw pictures, and worked on the project from 1734 to 1736.^[7]

References

1. An inventory of belongings drawn up after his decease is dated 26 June 1737 (Archives notariales - Paris, Paris, France, RE/CXIX/5), Geneanet.
2. https://doi.org/10.1093/benz/9780199773787.article.B00026255 "Bretez, Louis"
3. https://catalogue.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb12380599w "Bretez, Louis (16..-1738)"
4. Michel Gallet (1995). Les Architectes parisiens du XVIIIe siècle, p. 91. .
5. La Perspective pratique de l'Architecture, 1706. Copy at Gallica.
6. https://hdl.handle.net/2027/mdp.39015068281370?urlappend=%3Bseq=112%3Bownerid=13510798887034572-118 "Compte-rendus des scéances (8 May 1900), p. 104
7. Web site: November 2005. Plan de Turgot 1734–1739. Map of Turgot 1734-1739. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20120722220311/http://www.dessinoriginal.com/fr/livres-architecture/593-plan-de-turgot-1734-1739-2711850404.html. 22 July 2012. 3 January 2012. DessinOriginal.com. fr. RMN. Mapping the Boroughs johncoulthart.com