Description

Édouard Colbert, Marquis de Villacerf
Terracotta Bust – France, circa 1780
After Martin van den Bogaert, known as Desjardins (1640–1694)

Fine terracotta bust depicting Édouard Colbert, Marquis de Villacerf (1628–1699), an important official at the French court during the reign of Louis XIV and a prominent figure in the administration of the Crown’s artistic and architectural projects.

The work is a refined late 18th-century replica of the celebrated portrait executed by the French sculptor of Flemish origin Martin van den Bogaert, known as Desjardins (1640–1694). The original marble model, executed in 1693, is today preserved at the Musée du Louvre in Paris.

Colbert is portrayed in a proud and solemn pose, in accordance with the conventions of the grand French Baroque portraiture of the Grand Siècle. His face, characterised by an authoritative and penetrating expression, is framed by an elaborate long-curled wig, rendered with particular attention to the sculptural quality and variety of the surfaces.

The treatment of the clothing is particularly refined: the bust features richly draped garments, with decorative and textile details conveyed through highly precise modelling. The terracotta, with its characteristic warm and tactile quality, enhances the chiaroscuro effects and gives the figure a strong sculptural presence.

Édouard Colbert belonged to one of the most important families of the Ancien Régime and was a cousin of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, the celebrated finance minister of Louis XIV. In 1691, he was appointed Surintendant des Bâtiments, Arts et Manufactures, a prestigious position which placed him at the head of the administration of the royal buildings, arts and manufactures.

In this capacity, he supervised major architectural and artistic projects promoted by the Crown, the commissioning of official tapestries and the oversight of the Royal Academies of painting, sculpture and architecture. His portrait therefore also possesses particular historical significance as the image of one of the principal figures in the cultural and artistic policy of the monarchy of Louis XIV.

The terracotta version, dating to late 18th century, demonstrates the continuing prestige of the original model and the persistence, in late 18th-century French culture, of interest in the grand portraiture of the preceding century. Terracotta, a material particularly appreciated for the production of models, replicas and collector’s works, lends the bust a refined yet strongly tactile character.

By virtue of its impressive scale and quality of execution, the bust has a striking decorative presence and would be particularly suited to libraries, studies, private galleries, historic residences and collections of Old Master and antique art.

Subject: Édouard Colbert, Marquis de Villacerf (1628–1699)
Author of the original model: Martin van den Bogaert, known as Desjardins (1640–1694)
Type: Portrait bust
Period: late 18th century
Place of manufacture: France
Model: After Desjardins; original marble model dated 1693
Material: Terracotta
Dimensions: Height 104 cm
Condition: Overall in good condition. The work retains the material qualities and natural patina of the terracotta. There are normal signs of age and minor surface wear, consistent with the period and nature of the object. These characteristics contribute to the authentic character of the work and do not compromise its stability or overall aesthetic appearance.