Augustin Pajou

Augustin Pajou (1730-1809) was a French Neoclassical sculptor who served as a key artistic figure during the transition from the Rococo to Neoclassicism. Born in Paris, he won the Prix de Rome at 18 and spent six years studying in Italy. He became one of the most prominent sculptors in France under Louis XV and XVI.

Pajou directed the sculptural decoration of the Royal Opera at Versailles and created elegant portrait busts of courtiers and intellectuals, including his celebrated bust of Madame du Barry (1773). His work balances Rococo charm with classical restraint. Our collection includes 4 works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of Art.