Marie Tussaud was a French-born artist who became world-famous for her extraordinary wax sculptures and for founding the iconic Madame Tussaud museums. Born in Strasbourg, she learned the craft of wax modeling from Dr. Philippe Curtius in Switzerland, who was both her mentor and guardian. Under his guidance, she developed exceptional skill in creating lifelike figures. During the French Revolution, Tussaud was asked to make wax death masks and portraits of notable figures, an experience that would later define her reputation.
King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were the first wax figures crafted by Marie Tussaud after the French Revolution.
In 1802, she moved to England with her exhibition, touring the country for decades before establishing a permanent museum in London in 1835. Her collection quickly became a cultural attraction, blending art, history, and popular figures in a unique way. Marie Tussaud’s legacy continues today through the global Madame Tussauds museums, renowned for their realism and craftsmanship.