Jean-Baptiste Greuze

Laid down. Surface dirt. Light foxing especially at top and right edges. Small hole bottom left c. 2 ins from both edges. Ink spots bottom left corner and lighter grey wash streak towards top left.
"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 head seems to represent a classical figure, possibly Homer.  A red chalk drawing by Greuze after an antique bust of Homer was sold Monaco, Sotheby's, 5 December 1992, lot 104 and was loosely associated by Edgar Munhall with Greuze's drawing of Anacreon in his Old Age Crowned by Love, in the Pierpont Morgan Library, New York.¹ 

1.  See E. Munhall, Greuze the Draftsman, exhibition catalogue, New York, Frick Collection and Los Angeles, J. Paul Getty Museum, 2002, cat. no. 87