Bust of J.B.Réveillon

Defernex’s bust of J.B. Réveillon is an outstanding example of French portraiture during the reign of Louis XV. He preferred to work in terracotta, and he excelled in the execution of casual portraits such as this one. The open-collared shirt, curled hair, and spontaneous expression exemplify the mid-century trend away from the formal baroque portraiture in which the rank, costume, and decorations of a male sitter were emphasized.