born 1693/95, Turin, Savoy
died July 31, 1750, Paris, France
French goldsmith, designer, and architect.
Appointed goldsmith and cabinetmaker to Louis XV in 1726, he became a leading originator of the influential Rococo style . His highly inventive work included fantastic grottoes, animated metalwork designs, snuffboxes, watch cases, sword hilts, and tureens. His sketches for interior decoration, furniture, and goldsmith designs became widely known through engravings. Few of his architectural plans were realized.