Lot 1

In Christie's New York catalogues, only catalogue descriptions of multiple works (such as prints, photographs, coins and stamps) include reference to condition. For all other types of property, only alterations or replacements of components are listed. Condition reports are available upon request. Please contact the specialists in charge of the sale. EUROPEAN WORKS OF ART Property of an Estate

AN IVORY RELIEF OF THE ATTRIBUTES OF THE VIRGIN**

FLEMISH, 15TH CENTURY

Details

AN IVORY RELIEF OF THE ATTRIBUTES OF THE VIRGIN**
FLEMISH, 15TH CENTURY
With the Virgin standing at center and God the Father overhead, flanked by the moon, the sun, the City of God, and other attributes, with inscription, 'TOTA PULCRA ES AMICA MEA ET MACULATA NON EST IN TE ELECTA UT STELLA MARIS LUNA PORTA SICUT LILIUM ROSE TURIS DAVID AQUAR SINE MACULA FONS ORTO'
4in. x 2¾in. (10.2cm. x 7.3cm.)

Lot Essay

COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
S. Beissel, Geschichte der Verehung Marias in Deutschland während des Mittelalters, Darmstadt, 1909, pp. 341-343

The present lot is a wing of a diptych. Its iconography goes back to French Books of Hours and also to early German woodcuts; this appears to be the only known example in ivory.