Jean-Antoine HoudonFrench, 1741–1828Cicéron
Can I see it?
Yes, on view now
Where is “Cicéron” now? Musée du Louvre, Escalier Henri IV, Aile Sully, Niveau 0, Paris. Yes, on view now. Checked September 26, 2026.
Open now· until 6:00 PM
On public display.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
Details
- Accession number
- N 15911
In the catalog
Sources
- Musée du Louvre
- Image: Musée du Louvre — © 2006 Musée du Louvre, Dist. GrandPalaisRmn / Pierre Philibert
In the life of Jean-Antoine Houdon
The whole life20 March 1741
Born
1761
Prix de Rome and the École des élèves protégés
He is awarded the Prix de Rome of the French Academy. From 1761 to 1764 he studies at the École royale des élèves protégés.
1771
“Morpheus” at the Salon of 1771
Back in Paris after Italy, he submits a marble sleeping Morpheus to the Salon of 1771. The same year he becomes a member of the Academy of Painting and Sculpture.
1781
“Voltaire” at the Salon of 1781
The seated, smiling Voltaire is shown at the Salon. The same year, 1781, Houdon completes a second marble statue of the philosopher — the one that will reach Russia three years later.
1785
Crosses the Atlantic at Franklin’s invitation
At Benjamin Franklin’s invitation he crosses the Atlantic to visit Mount Vernon, where George Washington is to sit for him.
1789–1799
Falls out of favour in the French Revolution
Because of his ties to the court of Louis XVI he is perceived as bourgeois and falls out of favour during the Revolution, though he escapes imprisonment.
