Philippe Curtius was a Swiss sculptor and wax modeler, born in 1737. He is best known for his work in creating lifelike wax figures, which gained popularity in Europe during the 18th century. Curtius's skillful craftsmanship made his wax models highly sought after, leading to the establishment of a successful studio in Paris. In addition to his artistic contributions, Curtius is notable for being a mentor to the famous French artist Marie Tussaud. He taught her the art of wax modeling, which later inspired her to create the renowned Madame Tussauds museum, showcasing wax figures of historical and contemporary figures.