Attributed to Paul Heermann (1673-1732) German, Dresden, early 18th century

monogrammed: PH on the underside of St. John's thigh and inscribed: Johann Peter Hencke Mainzer Bildhauer, gest.1777 in ink on the back of the frame 

Kunsthaus Malmedé, Bonn, deaccessioned 1947;
Paul and Elsa Vogel, Lucerne, Switzerland

Overall the condition of the ivory is very good, with minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is some light veining to the ivory consistent with the material, notably at the sides of the relief. There are some very minor hairline splits, including one to the bottom edge beside the Christ Child's foot. Two of the Virgin's fingertips on her proper left hand are flattened; this may have occurred at a later stage. The frame is in good condition with some wear; notably the metal cover at the top side is lost, and the metal cover on the right side is loose. There appears to be a restoration to the metal cover (with a small loss) on the left side. There are minor dirt and a few nicks and scratches to the wood, and a slightly open but stable split at the back. The metal appears to have been gilt; the gilding has darkened and rubbed.
"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."

The present composition can be closely compared with a relief sold in these rooms on 8 December 1988, lot 368, unsigned. Compare also with a Bottger stoneware plaque sold Christies London 19 May 1993 by PH, who modelled for Bottger from 1708 onwards.