A Life Etched in Metal and Light: The World of Étienne Delaune Étienne Delaune, a name resonating softly through the annals of 16th-century French art, was far more than simply a goldsmith. He existed as a pivotal figure bridging the intricate world of Renaissance metalwork with the burgeoning artistic currents of his time. Born in Paris around 1518 – or perhaps Orléans, historical records remain delightfully ambiguous – Delaune’s life unfolded against a backdrop of religious upheaval and flourishing humanist ideals. While initially establishing himself within the practical craft of goldsmit…