Luigi Valadier was the most successful Roman goldsmith of his period, a magnificent draughtsman whose work included silver and gold decorative objects, bronzes and furniture, all produced in the via del Babuino workshop. Valadier's pen and brown ink drawings on Dutch export paper represent the finest examples of his elaborate rendering; and have been instrumental not only in documenting the master's innovative design but, also, creating an understanding of how the objects related to one another in customary use.

The eldest son of silversmith Andrea Valadier, born in Aramont, France, Luigi was born in Rome and, although he studied in Paris, returned to Rome and worked cooperatively with his brother Giovanni in their father's studio in Piazza San Luigi dei Francesi. After his father's death in 1760, Luigi became the master silversmith and continued to work with his brother until 1763 when they separated and he established the via del Babuino workshop.

Receiving significant commissions for chandeliers, altar figures, bas-relief panels, and decorations cathedrals and palaces worldwide as well as for decorative tureens and centerpieces, the workshop thrived and, at its height, had over 180 dependents. In 1779 Pope Pius VI made him "Cavaliere" and appointed him to several official Vatican posts, further honoring Luigi by visiting the workshop often.

However, as with many successful goldsmiths of the 18th century, Valadier was provoked by severe financial problems and, although his death by drowning was rumored to have been caused by his preoccupation with casting the bell for St. Peter's Cathedral, it was more likely the result of financial distress. Valadier's workshop and vast inventory of drawings was left for his son Giuseppe to manage until the workshop finally was sold in 1817 and its contents, representing a tradition of craftsmanship which started with the Renaissance, were dispersed.