Augustin, an eminent French sculptor, was born at Paris in 1730, and studied in the workshop of Lemoino. His talents and facile skill were soon recognised, and his career of distinction began early. At the age of eighteen he gained the French Academy's grand prize for sculpture, and the attendant privilege of being sent to Rome to complete his studies. On his return at the end of twelve years, he immediately assumed a high place in his profession. He was elected forthwith a member, and in 1767 a professor, of the Academy. Louis XVI. also employed him to adorn with sculptures the façade of the Palais Royal, and to execute statues of Pascal, Turenne, Bossuet, Buffon, and Descartes. From these and his numerous other works, Pajou had realized a handsome competency; but the Revolution deprived him of it, and left him for the rest of his days in comparative poverty. His death took place in 1809.