on stepped socle with scroll cartouche 

Overall condition is good but the bust would benefit from a sensitive clean as it is very dirty.All four corners of the base are chipped and there are some minor scuffs and scratches consistent with age.
"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."

Joseph Emmanuel de La Trémoille was born in 1659 in Thouars, France, the son of the duke de Noirmoutiers.  He was created Abbot of Ligny in 1695 and of Soreze in 1702. Through the patronage of his sister Anne-Marie de la Tremouille, who became the principal lady in waiting to Queen Isabella of Spain,  first wife of Philip V, his career flourished. He was created cardinal priest in 1706 receiving the red hat and title SS.  That same year he became Minister of France to the Holy See, a position he held until his death in Rome in 1720 where he is buried at the church of  St Luigi dei Francesi. His tomb by Pierre de l'Estache (1688-1774) was not commissioned until twenty years after his death probably based on an engraving; it follows with the more florid style popular at that time.  
  
This bust of the cardinal follows the traditional conventions of the earlier Roman baroque sculpture of cl🏅erics. The sitter with a skullcap faces full front with head slightly inclined to his left, wearing aꦡ mozzetta over his shirt with  ace ruff  beneath.