Probably North Netherlandish or Lower Rhenish, early 16th century

with a label on the underside inscribed: Spitzer in typing, a COLL ERNEST BRUMMER label inscribed: 21 in red ink and a white label inscribed: 1084  in blue ink

Spitzer collection, sold Paris, 1893, lot 2127;
Nicolas Landau, Paris;
from whom purchased by Ernest Brummer in 1953, sold Galerie Koller, Zürich, 16-19 October 1979, lot 137

La Collection Spitzer. Antiqueté Moyen Age - Renaissance, Paris/ London, 1891, III, p. 256, no. 5

Overall the condition of the wood is good. There is some minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is a naturally occurring stable split to the right side of the sheet on the reverse and to the foot of the base. There are small chips to the donkey's ear and to the underside of the console on the lower left side of the frame. The object was constructed from separately carved sections; the coat of arms is slightly loose. There are several inserts to the relief: two to each side where the shutters would have attached and two on the left side and at the top of the top edge. The piece consists of three separate sections; the foot, the knop and the relief; all sections are detachable.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This finely carved miniature house altar is centred by the Nativity with the Annunciation to the Shepherds above within an arched frame carved at the top with a coat of arms as yet unidentified; a seated cat in the background attends to its toilet. It can be stylistically and technically compared with a group of prayer beads, miniature tabernacles and triptychs which date to the early years of the 16th century. Formerly ascribed to an Antwerp school these are now suggested by Williamson to originate from Lower Rhine or North Netherlandish workshops based on the provenance or armorial identification of a number of those recorded.  In addition to this Williamson links elements of style and construction with North Netherlandish furniture and metalwork of the period. Conversely, the Nativity scene on the present lot was clearly inspired by the Nativity in the influential Grimani Breviary which was produced in Ghent or Bruges and is now in Venice's Library of San Marco.

RELATED LITERATURE:
P. Williamson, Netherlandish Sculpture 1450-1550, London, 2002, nos. 45-49