Standing Virgin holding Christ with both hands (probably part of a Presentation in the Temple scene).
Williamson and Davies 2014: French (possibly Northeast), 1st quarter of the 14th century.
Attribution
Unknown
Reverse
Pulp cavity clearly visible. Flat with vertical scoring.
Label from 1857 Manchester Art Treasures exhibition and circular Christie's label covered with Hildburgh loan label 'Lent by Dr Hildburgh no. 1393'.
Object Condition
Worn.
Two holes are pierced in the lower part of the relief.
Back chipped on the left side.
Comments
The arm of Christ was probably part of a second piece of ivory which would have included Simeon. The hand of Simeon reaches around Christ's waist.
Provenance
Collection of Reverend W. Sneyd (b. 1809, d. 1888), Keele Hall, Staffordshire by 1857; Keele Hall Heirlooms Sale, Christie's, London, 7 July 1902, lot 28 (bought Lichfield); collection of John McAndrew, Holly Hill, Coleman's Hatch, Sussex; McAndrew Sale, Christie's, London, 2 December 1925, lot 151 (bought Pelham); Dr W. L. Hildburgh collection, London; given to museum by him in 1949.
Bibliography
J. O. Westwood, Fictile Ivories in the South Kensington Museum (London, 1876), no. 728 (`58.235).
P. Williamson and G. Davies, Medieval Ivory Carvings 1200-1550 (London, 2014), no. 37.
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