Portrait of an ecclesiastic 1765

This terracotta relief portrait of an ecclesiastic was sculpted in 1765 by French artist Jean-Baptiste Nini. The work is a fine example of the artist's mastery of portraiture and his ability to capture the likeness of his subjects. Nini is best known for his miniature portraits, often in terracotta or bronze, but he also created larger-scale works such as this one. The portrait is notable for its expressive details, such as the sitter's furrowed brow and determined expression, and the artist's skillful rendering of the ecclesiastic's clothing and accessories. The work can be found in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.