Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828), French sculptor, who was the greatest portrait sculptor of his day, born in Versailles. He won the Prix de Rome for sculpture in 1761 and studied in Italy until 1769. After his return to Paris in 1771, he exhibited his bust of the French Encyclopedist Denis Diderot, the first of a long series of sculpture portraits of eminent men of his time. In 1778 he made a bust of Benjamin Franklin and the death mask of the French philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau. In 1781 he exhibited his famous seated statue of the French satirist and philosopher Voltaire.

By this time Houdon was widely known. He was invited to America, where, in 1785, he executed from life the model of his famous statue of President George Washington (1788-1792, State Capitol, Richmond, Virginia). He also made likenesses of Thomas Jefferson and other famous Americans. Houdon's prestige remained high throughout the Napoleonic era, and he executed a bust of Napoleon.

Houdon's sculpture is notable for its penetrating characterization, clarity, and sensitive modeling. His works, and authorized copies, are to be found in museums, libraries, and public buildings throughout the United States and Europe.