François-Thomas Germain

François-Thomas Germain (1726–1791) was a French silversmith who was often commissioned by European royalty and inherited the title of royal silversmith and sculptor to the King of France. In 1765, Germain broke guild regulations by working with financiers to receive some debts owed to him, as he was only allowed to enter into partnerships with his fellow smiths. For this he was forced to resign his position and declare bankruptcy.

François-Thomas Germain
Germain is thought to have introduced this popular model of candlestick in Paris in 1757-1758.
BornApril 17, 1726
Paris, France
DiedJanuary 23, 1791 (aged 64)
Paris, France
NationalityFrench
Known forSilversmith
Parent(s)Thomas Germain (father; 1673-1748)
Anne-Denise Gauchelet (mother)

Germain died out of the public eye in 1791, the last member of his distinguished family to serve as a royal smith. Many of his works are now held in museums and private collections.

Curiously enough, due to the French Revolution and other hazards of history, the biggest portion of his production now belongs to countries other than France—namely Portugal and Russia.

Germain is portrayed as a Templar Grand Master, and the main antagonist, in the 2014 video game Assassin's Creed Unity. Instead of dying in 1791, he is killed off by the game's protagonist in 1794. Germain was chosen as a character because of his real-life talent and "unexplained demise."[1]

References
  1. Bremer-David, Charissa (July 23, 2018). "Meet the Real François-Thomas Germain, Sculptor-Silversmith of the Enlightenment". The Getty Iris. J. Paul Getty Trust. Retrieved July 31, 2018.


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