17th French Sculpture Terracotta Bust Signed Rifle Fecit 1693

Terracotta bust depicting a male portrait; a 17th-century French sculpture, signed and dated "Juin 1693 Rifle fecit."
According to Parisian archives, Bon Rifle—born in Paris in 1653 to Jean Rifle and Brigide Lescuyer—was a sculptor active at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries.
The subject is dressed in the male fashion of the late 17th to early 18th century, wearing a jacket or *justaucorps* featuring a row of small buttons, left partially open at the chest. His neck is wrapped in a band of lightweight fabric—acting as a cravat—tied loosely at the front with the ends draping down over his chest. His thick, natural hair suggests he was neither a nobleman nor a wealthy member of the bourgeoisie, as those social classes wore wigs in keeping with the fashion of the Louis XIV era. Given that Bon Rifle was the son of a wine merchant and likely frequented the lively atmosphere of Parisian markets, the subject is presumably a merchant. His features are reminiscent of figures portrayed by the Le Nain brothers.
Excellent condition.

Dimensions:
H 37 cm,
W 27 cm,
D 13 cm.

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