Francois Antoine Maxime Lalanne was born in Bordeaux and became a pupil of Jean-Francois Gigoux. He exhibited at the Salon de Paris 1852-1886. As well as an artist and printmaker, he wrote a highly influential guide to the art of etching which was published as a book in 1866. He produced some 200 etchings, many of which were published in 19th. cent. journals and books.