Italian, Rome, late 17th century

inscribed: AUGUSTI = NI CUSANI ORATORIS PONTIFICII SYLVESTRO PÑPI VALERIO MUNUS

W. Appolloni, Rome, Italy, 1982

Grabski, J. (ed.), Opus sacrum. From the collection of Barbara Piasecka Johnson, exh. cat. Royal Castle Warsaw, 1990, cat. 66, pp. 339-341

There are restorations throughout. to the amber and wax figures and a few smaller restorations to the architectural elements in ebonised wood in the background of the scene. There are stable cracks to the ebonised wood in the lower part of the tabernacle, particularly to the laminated parts. There is an iron mount to the back of the tabernacle. The scene can be pulled out through a lid at the back.
"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."

Differently from what has been stated in the Opus Sacrum catalogue, the Latin inscription does not at all refer to a medieval Pope Sylvester, but it states that the house altar was a present ('munus') given by the pontifical orator Agostino Cusano ('Augustini Cusani Oratoris Pontificii') to Prince Silvestro Valerio ('Sylvestro Principi Valeri'). Silvestro Valerio or Valier (1630-1700) was Doge of Venice from 1694 to his death. The house altar's typically Roman forms and its lavish decorations are in concordance with the act of a diplomatic gift on the highest level sent from Rome to Venice, as it is recorded in the inscription.