After Nicolas Coustou, late 18th century, bust of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, terracotta By Nicolas Coustou, late 18th century BUST OF JEAN-BAPTISTE COLBERT terracotta sculpture, 85x60x27 cm The sculpture derives precisely from the marble original now in Versailles (inv. no. MV225), commissioned by Girardon from Nicolas Coustou to celebrate the former patron of the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture Jean-Baptiste Colbert. Coustou executed a retrospective portrait, inspired by the effigy sculpted by Coysevox in 1678, and the bust was presented to the Academy in 1716. The Marquis de Seignelay (1619-1683), Comptroller General of Finances, is depicted with his head and eyes turned to the left, his face adorned with a light moustache and a small fly under his lower lip; The neck is adorned with a broad lace collar from which two tassels descend to the chest, while at shoulder height on the left side of the large cloak that drapes part of the bust is the decoration of the Ordre du Saint-Esprit (Order of the Holy Spirit), also known as the Order of the Cordon Bleu, the most prestigious chivalric order of the French monarchy.