DUPLESSIS, Joseph-Siffred
(b. 1725, Carpentras, d. 1802, Versailles)

Portrait of Monsieur de Buissy

c. 1780
Oil on canvas, 116 x 89 cm
National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa

Family tradition identifies the sitter as Pierre de Buissy (1737-1787), a noble from Picardy. He appears withdrawn and distant, a reserve appropriate to his status, and also likely a product of Duplessis's studio practice.