SOUFFLOT, JAMES GERMAIN, an eminent architect, born, in 1714, at Iraney, near Auxerre. his father, an avocat of the parliament, destined him for his own profession, and sent him, while very young, to Paris for education ; but preferring the science of architecture, he was for some time employed in that art at Lyons, whence he repaired to Italy, for improvement, and, on his return to France, was admitted one of the king's pensioners. It being resolved that several public buildings should be erected at Lyons, he was recom mended to undertake part of the work, by the director of the French academy at Rome ; and the construction of the Exchange and the Hospital was committed to him. The noble simplicity of the Hospital, together with its excellent adaptation to the object for which it was intended, were universally admired, and raised his reputation as an artist. After this, he was employed to build the Concert-Room and Theatre of the same city. He next travelled again into Italy, and on his return, settled at Paris, where he was suc cessively made comptroller of the buildings at Marty and the Tuilleries, member of the academies of architecture and paint ing, knight of St. Michael, and intendant of the royal build
ings. In 1757, he laid the foundation of the church of St. Genevieve, of which he only finished the portal, the nave, and the towers. In this business, he subjected himself to some severe criticism, especially with respect to the possibil ity of erecting the intended dome upon the basis designed for it; though some exact calculations justified his plan. The criticisms and unfriendly remarks of his rivals were more than his temper, naturally irritable, could bear; and he died partly of chagrin, in the year 1780, at the age of 67. Besides the public works already mentioned, he executed many others, which display the powers of a great genius ; and after his death, M. Dumont, professor of architecture, published a book of designs, which lie had left behind him, under the title of Ehlvations et Coves de quelques _Edifices de France et design4cs par feu -IL Suujlot, Architect du Rai, et gravies.
Though Soufflot was rough and hasty in his manners, he was kind and friendly, whence he obtained the name of he Bourn:, Ilienfilisant.