Soufflot, Jacques-Germain

Born July 22, 1713, in Irancy, near Auxerre; died Aug. 29,1780, in Paris. French architect; a leading representative of 18th-century classicism.

Soufflot studied in Rome from 1734 to 1737. In the 1730’s he visited Asia Minor, and in 1750 he studied and took measurements of the remains of classical buildings in Sicily and Paestum. He began his career in Lyon, where he designed the Hótel-Dieu (a hospital, 1741–42) and other buildings.

In 1755, Soufflot began working in Paris. His most important structure was the church of Sainte-Geneviève in Paris (1758–90), which became the Panthéon in 1791. The building has a large interior space crowned by a dome, and the entrance is emphasized by a classical portico. The structure is divided into large, clearly defined elements. It is severe and majestic in form and bold in design; the dome has a large span and rests on four light three-sided supports.