French, circa 1600

facing slightly to the right, with broad ruff, on later wood plinth

Surface dirt, chips, wear and rubbing commensurate with age. Small patch of glue on reverse of his upper left shoulder, small repair patch on his left cheek, small inclusions around third button. Set within later ebony wood base.
"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 finely sculpted stone bust of a gentleman follows in the tradition of French portrait sculpture popular from the second half of the sixteenth century. The popularity of such portraiture was most probably instigated  in the promulgation of portrait medals and coinage after designs by Germain Pilon as well as the paintings of François Clouet and his followers. Compare with the bronze bust of Jean d'Alesso by Matthieu Jacquet in the Louvre dating to 1606 illustrated by Ciprut. 

RELATED LITERATURE
S.K.Scher, "Germain Pilon et L'art de la Medaille" in Germain Pilon et les sculpture français de la Renaissance, actes de colloques au musée du Louvre 26 and 27 Octobre 1990, pp.133-159; J.Ciprut, Mathieu Jacquet, Sculpteur d'Henri IV, Paris, 1967, fig.42