Follower of François Duquesnoy (1597-1643), Flemish, 18th century

numbered: 2 and 3 on the reverse; the nymph with a white label inscribed: Bohn and both with a label cut out of an old catalogue to the reverse

Overall the condition of the ivories is good. There is some minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age with some particular dirt to the crevices. There is some dryness to the surface and some minor stable splitting to the sides consistent with material. There are remnants of glue to the reverse of both reliefs; the label on the reverse of the nymph is unstable. The reliefs are loose in the older frames and detached from the later cases. There is some minor wear to the frames.
"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."

numbered: 2 and 3 on the reverse; the nymph with a white label inscribed: Bohn and a label cut out of an old catalogue printed: Nymph reclining beneath a Tree, holding a Bowl to a Child, who is Drinking, and Three other Children who are Struggling at her Side and the musician with a label: CARVINGS IN HIGH RELIEF IN IVORY, By FIAMMINGO and a label: A Youth, seated, playing on a Guitar to Four Children who are Dancing beneath a Tree

As the late 19th or early 20th century cataloguing on the reverse of these reliefs suggests, the frolicking putti in these reliefs relate closely to the work of François Duquesnoy, or Fiammingo. Boudon-Machuel (op.cit.) mentions a group of ivory reliefs of nearly identical dimensions, one of which is kept in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna (KK 8027).

RELATED LITERATURE
M. Boudon-Machuel, François Duquesnoy 1597-1643, Paris, 2005, pp. 296-297, nos. OE.68 dér.18-21