Soufflot, Jacques Germain

Soufflot, Jacques Germain, a French architect, was born at Trenci, near Auxerre, in 1713 (or 1714). His father desired him to study law, but he evinced so strong a taste for architecture that he was allowed to choose that profession. Travelling in Italy to pursue his studies, his assiduity and talents recommended him to the duke of St. Aignau, ambassador of France to the Holy See, who secured him favors. Returning to France, he was engaged by the magistrates of Lyons as architect, and built the Hotel-Dieu, Exchange, Concert-room, and Theater. He was shortly after appointed comptroller of the buildings of Marli and the Tuileries, besides being the recipient of many other honors. The commission to rebuild the Church of St. Genevieve was given him, and the foundation was laid in 1756. In the following year he received the Order of St. Michel, and was nominated commissioner and general superintendent of the public buildings. Envy endeavored to destroy the fame of Soufflot, and so vexed him that he was hastened, before the completion of the Church of St. Genevieve, to his death, Aug. 29 (30), 1780. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v., Cresy, Lives of Architects, s.v.