French or German, second half 14th century

depicting the Annunciation, the Nativity, Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Last Supper

Antwerp, Bank Brussel Lambert, Gotische Groepen uit Antwerps Privé-bezit, 1983, no. 8

Overall, the condition of the ivory is good, with some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is particular dirt in the crevices. There is some yellowing to the ivory, consistent with the material and age, in particular to the reverse. There is some stable splitting to the ivory, consistent with the material. There are a few small chips, notably to the corners, to the top of the tabernacle of the top-left scene and to the collar of the figure in the bottom right corner. There is some rubbing to the ivory at the high points. There is a possible minor loss to Christ's hand in the Gethsemane scene. The relief was once part of a diptych, and a hinge remains at the top; the hinge at the bottom is now lost. There are various scratches to the reverse, and there are two small holes. The condition of the frame is good with wear to the velvet covering throughout. There are scratches to the wooden edge throughout.
"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."

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Williamson and G. Davies, Medieval Ivory Carvings: 1200-1550, Part I, cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2014, pp. 294-295, nos. 96 and 100