German, Rhineland, 14th century and later

Overall the condition of the ivory is good. There is some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age with some scratching to the background of the left leaf. There are a few minor nicks, including to the edges of the reliefs. The top corners of teh left leaf are rounded off. The hinges and lock are later; one nail of the lower hinge was lost and therefore it is loose. The outside edges of both leaves are slightly paler because of the sample taken from them for the carbon dating.
"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."

German ivory diptychs of the Middle Ages often contain surprising narrative structures and scenes seldom found in their more common French counterparts. Here the right leaf shows the extremely rare iconography of Christ in Majesty over a scene with the Resurrection of the Dead. The left leaf compares closely to a German diptych formerly in the Collection Dormeuil (sold Sotheby's Paris, 19 November 2007, lot 15) but is probably a copy. Carbon dating by RadioCarbon Dating (RCD-7440 and 41) shows that the left leaf was made between 1510 and 1950 and the right leaf between 1330-1480.