Jean-Antoine Houdon

Jean-Antoine Houdon was an influential French sculptor of the Enlightenment, renowned for his lifelike marble busts and portraits of prominent figures. His meticulous approach involved creating plaster facial masks and measuring distances with scientific precision, making his works notable for their realism. Houdon gained fame for his portraits of American founding fathers, including the iconic bust of George Washington, which reflects not only the physical likeness but also the character of his subjects. His artistry bridged the gap between the classical tradition and the burgeoning ideals of modern democracy.