France, vers 1350

Collection R. von Passavant-Gontard, par tradition acquis en 1872
Collection Robert von Hirsch, vente Sotheby's, Londres, 20 juin 1978, lot 280

La collection R. von Passavant-Gontard, Francfort-sur-le Main, 1929.

 

R. Koechlin, Les ivoires gothiques français, Paris, 1924, no. 424.
Catalogue de la collection R. von Passavant-Gontard, Francfort-sur-le Main, 1929, no.76.

The ivory has mellowed to a rich honey colour and has wear consistant with age. The panel has been chipped on top and bottom right hand corner and left hand edge as visible in the catalogue photograph. Panel is pierced in the middle at the top edge for suspension.
"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."

Ce feuillet de tablette à écrire est divisé en deux registres. Dans la partie supérieure, le Christ est représenté en croix sous un arc trilobé, et dans la partie inférieure on trouve une cavité circulaire destinée à recevoir la cire. En raison de la cavité circulaire cette tablette a été considérée comme unique par Koechlin en 1924. Ces feuillets de tablette à écrire sont normalement ornés sur la face de scènes en relief avec au dos une cuvette rectangulaire pour la cire.

FRENCH, CIRCA 1350
AN IVORY WRITING TABLET WITH THE CRUCIFIXION

This writing tablet is divided into two registers with the Crucifixion beneath a trefoil arch. The circular recess for wax below was regarded as unique when first published by Koechlin in 1924. Most writing tablets have a scene in relief on one side with a rectangular recess on the reverse.