A VERY LARGE CARVED IVORY RELIEF OF A MEDIEVAL BATTLE SCENE Continental, circa 1850s

in a carved and ebonized frame set with carved ivory masks and caryatids

Overall in good condition. Ivory with surface scratches and nicks throughout. Hairline cracks throughout which have filled with dirt consistent with age and environment. Surface dirt to crevices consistent with age. Construction seams visible in some places. Cracks and seam opening in background. The ebonized frame is in good condition with some surface scratches, rubbing and associated finish loss in places. The carving has not been unmounted from the frame for inspection. The carving of this relief is highly intricate, and it would be nearly impossible to determine whether there were ivory replacements done at a later date. Please note that the original carved wooden frame shows vertical cracks, and to its proper lefthand side there is a large loss to the carved acanthus leaf and to its proper right side a loss to the c-scroll carved detail. There is also a visible chip to the dagger of the lefthand side rider
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First introduced to Europe during the crusades of the thirteenth century, ivory has historically been treated as a precious material associated with exoticism and luxury.  Like porcelain, rock crystal and hardstone it was often mounted in silver or gold in an effort to emphasize its value.  Its fine grain and subtle sheen made it an ideal material for finely detailed carving of the type seen here in the present lot.

While it was available in Europe in minor quantities as early as the tenth century, ivory came into greater use as a result of Europe’s increased contact with the eastern Mediterranean during the thirteenth century.  The Napoleonic wars and European colonization of the nineteenth century brought a second period of expanded contact with Africa.  The ivory market also underwent a period of growth as the center of the slave trade shifted from West Africa to the East African coast in the second half of the century.

Because ivory was a material sourced through maritime trade, the main production centers of carved ivory have consequently been in the harbor towns of Germany, Italy, Flanders and France.  While the exact city of origin has not been identified here, it likely came from one of the major ivory centers like Dieppe.

Ivory sculptors of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries drew inspiration from classical and  Renaissance sources.  Themes were typically biblical, mythological or historical.  During the nineteenth century this subject matter remained popular, and was often re-imagined within the context of various revival styles.  The present lot depicts a Medieval battle scene, which was a popular subject of the period, particularly in the medium of ivory.  The plaque has been enhanced by the addition of a heavily carved and ebonized wood frame, which has been further mounted with the heads of a warrior and a putto, with the column capitals supported by two carved ivory herms.