Etienne Maurice Falconet was a prominent French sculptor born in 1716 in Paris. He is best known for his work during the Rococo period, which is characterized by ornate and decorative art. Falconet's most famous sculpture is the equestrian statue of Peter the Great, located in Saint Petersburg, Russia, which showcases his skill in capturing movement and emotion in bronze. Falconet studied under the renowned sculptor Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux and gained recognition for his ability to create lifelike figures. He also contributed to various public monuments and worked on decorative sculptures for palaces, including the Palace of Versailles. Falconet passed away in 1791, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of sculpture.