Jean-Jacques Avril, "l' aine" was a French artist, born on December 16, 1744 in Paris. He studied architecture but became a student of engraver Jan Georges Wille (1715-1808). Avril engraved over 540 works but is best known for his ornamental works after other artists, such as Tessier. In 1789 he applied for membership in the Acadamie but was denied entrance.

Jean-Jacques Avril, "the elder" died on November 26, 1831 in Paris. His son, Jean-Jacques Avril "the younger" (4/19/1771 - 11/8/1835) was also an engraver.