An Ecclesiastic, perhaps Germain Piètre

The bust portrays a balding or tonsured middle-aged man, probably an ecclesiastic, who is shown wearing a skull cap with hair just below his ears, and a moustache and goatee beard. The sitter has been tentatively identified as Germain Piètre, who was Procureur de la Ville de Paris from 1641 to 1654. He faces forward, with his eyes looking slightly to his right, his mouth slightly open. He wears a habit unbuttoned at the lower chest to reveal a pendant cross. It is a fine example of French portraiture in ivory, although its author is unknown. Theuerkauff suggested that the bust might be by Simon Jaillot. or his younger brother, or perhaps by another sculptor in their circle. The fine quality of carving and naturalsitic quality suggest indeed that this piece could be by a sculptor of the calibre of Simon Jaillot.