RELATED LITERATURE
F. Souchal, French Sculptors of the 17th and 18th centuries. The reign of Louis XIV, Oxford, 1977, pp. 176-221

There is minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The marble has been outside for part of its life and there is evidence of minor damage consistent with weathering. The marble has subsequently been repolished in areas. There are some minor chips and abrasions, including to the nose and to the drapery. There are minor naturally occurring inclusions including to the face. There is veining consistent with the material. There are a few small dirt and paint residues.
"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 powerful bust recalls French portrait sculpture from the late 17th and 18th centuries. Its pyramidal shape with deep torso compare, for example, with the Portrait of Achille III de Harlay, after an 18th century model, at Versailles (inv. no. MV642; LP 1399). The bust is fundamentally indebted to the work of the court sculptor Antoine Coysevox (1640-1720), see, for example, his Bust of Michel le Tellier (Souchal, op. cit., p. 180, no. 8). The facial features bear some resemblance to those of Louis XIV. If the present bust is indeed a portrait of the Sun King, it represents a departure from the more elaborate heroic portraits of Louis XIV by Coysevox and, though the sitter is presented in a cuirass, he cuts an altogether more humble and world-weary looking figure, in the twilight years of his life.