French, Paris, early 18th century

Overall the condition of the bust is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is particular dirt to the hair, to the proper right side of the chest and the proper right shoulder. There is an orange stain and a small dark mark, possibly an inclusion, to the tip of the nose. There is a possible chip or naturally occurring inclusion to the face to the right of the mouth. There are several chips and abrasions to the truncation of the bust and to the high points of the drapery. There is a slightly larger loss to the truncation at the proper left shoulder at the back. There is some weathering to the surface, consistent with placement outside, in particular to the hair. The bust is attached to the socle with plaster, which is visible and slightly crumbling at the back. The marble socle is in good condition with some dirt and minor chips and abrasions at the edges. One of the front corners is carved separately and possibly reattached.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This charming bust of a youth with a quizzical smile may be associated with Parisian sculpture from the later part of the reign of Louis XIV. The delicately carved facial features, together with the dynamism of the hair and drapery, beautifully illustrate this phase of the French Baroque. One of the most accomplished sculptors from this period was Charles Antoine Coysevox (1640-1720), who executed numerous portrait busts for members of the court. His portraits of Marie-Adelaide, Duchess of Bourgogne, which include a full-figure marble as Diana in the Musée du Louvre (inv. no. MR1817) and a bust at Versailles, display the same sideways gaze and pursed lips as the present bust.

RELATED LITERATURE
F. Souchal, French Sculptors of the 17th and 18th Centuries. The Reign of Louis XIV. A-F, London, 1993 pp. 51-64