Petit retable de devotion privé en corail et ivoire Italie, Trapani, fin XVIIème siècle

le cadre en bois recouvert de cuivre doré, surmontée d'une tête d'angelot en bronze doré et orné de feuilles d'acanthe en corail; au centre, dans un oval encadré d'une double frise de perles de corail, figure le Christ au croix accompagné de trois Maries, sculptés en ivoire sur un sol de corail

REFERENCES BIBLIOGRAPHIQUES:
M. Concetta Di Natale, Il Corallo Trapanese nei secoli XVI e XVII, Brescia, 2002, p. 56-57.
G.C. Ascione, Gloria del Corallo a Napoli dal XVI al XIX secolo, Naples, 1991.
A. Daneu, L'arte trapanese del corallo, Palerme, 1964, pl.XXVI.

The piece is in very good overall condition. A few minor lacks to the coral. Minor oxidation to the copper framing, with small windows which may hold relics. The strass stones and angel's head may be later additions. One ivory Virgin standing in the front of the Crucifixion right arm and left hand missing. Some worming to the backside of the wooden frame.
"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."

Le corail comptait toujours parmi les matières précieuses, très difficile a extraire des riff, recherchées par des amateurs de cabinet de curiosités. Trapani, ville portuaire en Sicile, fut au XVIIe et XVIIIe siècle un centre de manufacture importante de la production d'oeuvres en corail. Le corps de métier des artisans, le Arte dei corallari, s'y est installé en 1628 pour se répandre ensuite dans toute la Méditerranée. Le corail était estimé pour sa couleur rouge intense ainsi que son pouvoir 'de châsser le diable'.