Étienne-Maurice Falconet (1716–1791): From Rococo Elegance to Neoclassical Power

Étienne-Maurice Falconet (1716–1791) was a prominent French sculptor whose work spanned the Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical styles. He is best known for the monumental equestrian statue of Peter the Great, The Bronze Horseman (1782), in St. Petersburg, Russia. Falconet also created a series of refined porcelain sculptures for the Royal Sèvres Manufactory, showcasing his signature blend of elegance and subtle sensuality. Influenced by painter François Boucher and the theatrical arts of his time, Falconet’s work reflects a charming fusion of grace, drama, and classical ideals.