Jean-Marie Bonnassieux (1810-1892) was a renowned French sculptor, renowned for his neoclassical and religious works. Born in Panissières, he quickly showed a talent for sculpture, which led him to study at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under Augustin-Alexandre Dumont. In 1836, he won the prestigious Prix de Rome for his bas-relief The Death of Socrates, which enabled him to continue his studies at the Villa Medici in Rome.

During his career, Bonnassieux produced many important works, including the famous statue of Notre-Dame de France in Le Puy-en-Velay, cast from cannons captured during the siege of Sebastopol. In addition to his artistic career, he was also a teacher, influencing new generations of artists. Bonnassieux was made a Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1855 and was elected to the Académie des Beaux-Arts in 1866. He died in 1892 and is buried in the Montparnasse cemetery in Paris.

His works often illustrate a balance between neoclassical rigour and deep Christian spirituality, as can be seen in his many religious sculptures.