François Girardon dominated sculptural production for Louis XIV's myriad building projects between 1670 and 1700. Initially working under master planner Charles Le Brun's direction, Girardon eventually managed his own large sculptural projects. He rose to great fame until, in his old age, he was overshadowed by Jules Hardouin Mansart. The son of a founder, Girardon early on attracted the notice of
