145

Ivory carving, Italy, 16th – 17th century

Height x width x depth: 27 x 15 x 5 cm. Height x width ivory: 20 x 13 cm. Total weight: 672 g

Antique elephant ivory carving (Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 or Loxodonta africana Blumenbach, 1797) depicting the Madonna and Child, surrounded by several female figures in a setting reminiscent of the typical iconography of the Holy Conversation.

The plaque is slightly curved, following the natural curve of the tusk, giving the scene a particular depth and dynamism. Mary, seated in the center of the composition, tenderly holds the half-naked baby Jesus, who is facing the viewer, and is engaged in conversation with a woman kneeling in the foreground on the lower right.

The other figures, arranged naturally around the Virgin, seem to silently participate in this moment, creating a harmonious ensemble scene. In the background, draped curtains and faces in the background can be glimpsed, reinforcing the impression of a sacred and intimate space. The entire composition is enclosed in a gilded metal frame, decorated at the top with a central vase from which floral garlands descend, a typical element of Baroque taste.

This lot, accompanied by a CITES certificate and expertise issued by Ce.S.Ar Centro studi archeometici, is only available for sale with shipments within the European Union. (expertise Ce.S.Ar. 2025-228)

Provenance:
Count Luigi Rigi Luperti collection.