Indo-Portuguese, Goa, 17th century

F. Collin, 'The Good Shepherd Ivory Carvings of Goa and their Symbolism', in Apollo, September 1984, pp. 170-5

Overall the condition of the ivory is very good. Ther is minor wear and dirt consistent with age and handling. There is some splitting to the surface consistent with material. There are some minor chips and losses to the foliage and the lamb to the right of the Shepherd is missing. Former inserts are missing and have thus left some small holes. The Shepherd has been off and has restorations to the left foot and seat. The head of the lamb at his shoulder has been added.
"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 first Christian missionaries to Goa arrived in 1510. The Portuguese colonists' dual motives of religious conversion and commerce were perfectly put into practice in setting native ivory carvers to work on Christian subjects. The resulting works of art combined the imagery of the East and West. The Good Shepherd, sat upon an elaborate mountain was one of the most popular groups. A particularly fine example is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, complete with the branched superstructure featuring God the Father, which all such groups would originally have supported. A hole in the back of the present ivory shows where its superstructure would have been attached. This ivory was published by Francis Collin and he notes that an unusual inclusion in this group is the figure of the naga or mermaid of Hindu mythology between the Virgin and St Joseph.