Jean-Antoine HoudonFrench, 1741–1828Voltaire
Can I see it?
Yes, on view now
Where is “Voltaire” now? National Gallery of Art, Gallery 53 · West Building, Main Floor, Washington, D.C. Yes, on view now. Checked September 29, 2026.
On public display.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
Details
- Accession number
- 1963.10.240
What it shows
In the catalog
Sources
- National Gallery of Art
- Image: National Gallery of Art — Museum open access
In the life of Jean-Antoine Houdon
The whole life1776 · Workplace
Paris
26 July 1777 · Membership
Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture
1778
Becomes a professor at the Academy
He is appointed professor of the sculpture class at the Academy of Painting and Sculpture.
1778
Joins the Masonic lodge “Les Neuf Sœurs”
He joins the lodge Les Neuf Sœurs, where he later meets Benjamin Franklin and Admiral John Paul Jones.
31 May 1778
Takes casts of the dead Voltaire’s face
The day after Voltaire’s death (30 May 1778) he takes plaster casts of the philosopher’s face and hands. These casts and his earlier work from life become the basis of several portraits of Voltaire.
