In 1960 the French architect Albert Laprade brought d'Orbay from relative obscurity into the limelight by publishing a monograph in which he proposed that d'Orbay was the actual designer of most of the important French architecture projects carried out from 1660 to 1697, including the Louvre Colonnade and the Envelope of Versailles. However, several architectural historians have subsequently disputed most of Laprade's arguments. For instance, many of the drawings used as evidence are by other hands. It has also been noted that after Le Vau's death, d'Orbay was passed over and not promoted into Le Vau's post, which remained vacant. Jules Hardouin Mansart was made principal architect of Versailles in 1678, after which d'Orbay resumed his former job as draughtsman (now under Mansart). Mansart was promoted to Premier Architecte du Roi in 1681. D'Orbay did however execute some independent work in the latter part of his career:  D'Orbay died in Paris. Notes Sources