Watelet, Claude-Henri (1718-1786)

Wealthy patron of the arts, artist, writer. Author of Essai sur les jardins (1774) and of various other works.

Took over his father’s position as receveur général des finances de la généralité d’Orléans.

Owner of the Moulin-Joli, a small island in the Seine on which he created one of the first English gardens in France. The island was a gathering place for amateur and professional artists, and it was here that Franklin composed the “Ephemera.”

Born in Paris.