German, circa 1719

the empress wearing the Imperial crown, an angel at her side presenting a cushion surmounted by an elector's hat  and extending a crown of laurels to the young girl to the right, in velvet and rippled moulded frame   

Overall the condition of the relief is excellent with some minor wear to the surface consistent with age. The right corner of the cushion may have been restored.
"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."

The wedding festivities in September 1719 to celebrate the nuptials of the Prince Elector Frederick Augustus II of Saxony (1699-1763), son of Frederick Augustus I ,"Augustus the Strong", Elector of Saxony and King of Poland to Maria Joseph Archduchess of Austria (1699-1757), eldest daughter of the Habsburg Emperor Joseph I were to last a month.  The union was an event of profound dynastic and political importance as by the marriage Augustus the Strong hoped that his son would in time obtain the Imperial Crown. 
The present relief depicts the Empress Amalia Wilhelmina von Lüneburg (1673-1742) with her daughter to her right.  The angel in the lower left presents an ermine lined cushion with an elector's hat which can be interpreted as an allegory of the electorate which is about to be held by the daughter via the forthcoming marriage to the electorate's crown prince.

RELATED LITERATURE
C.Schnitzer "The Contest of the Gods in Dresden", in The Glory of Baroque Dresden, ex.cat., Mississipi Arts Pavilion, March 1-Sept.6 2004, pp.31-38