A miniature boxwood retable with the Nativity and the Annunciation to the Shepherds, early 16th century, probably North Netherlandish or Lower Rhenish

with a typed label underneath inscribed Spitzer and a COLL ERNEST BRUMMER label inscribed 21 in red ink and a white label inscribed: 1084 in blue ink.

Frédéric Spitzer, Paris, by 1891
Paris, Mannheim and Chevallier, April 17-June 16, 1893, lot 2127
Nicolas Landau, Paris
Ernest Brummer, New York, acquired from the above in 1953
Galerie Koller, Zürich, 16-19 October 1979, lot 137

La Collection Spitzer: Antiquité-Moyen âge-Renaissance, Paris, 1891, III, p. 256, no. 5

Minor surface abrasions. Some small restorations throughout. Evidence of previous attachment of shutters on either side of relief. Two additional patches on left pilaster. A wedge-shaped fill to old crack on reverse. Elements carved separately. Top section is removable from base. Lower section of base is later.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This finely carved miniature house altar is centred by the Nativity with the Annunciation to the Shepherds above within an arched frame carved at the top with a coat of arms as yet unidentified. It can be stylistically and technically compared with a group of prayer beads, miniature tabernacles and triptychs which date to the early years of the 16th century. Formerly ascribed to an Antwerp school, these are now suggested by Williamson to originate from Lower Rhine or North Netherlandish workshops based on the provenance or armorial identification of a number of those recorded. In addition to this Williamson links elements of style and construction with North Netherlandish furniture and metalwork of the period. Conversely, the Nativity scene on the present lot was clearly inspired by the Nativity in the influential Grimani Breviary which was produced in Ghent or Bruges and is now in Venice's Library of San Marco.

RELATED LITERATURE:

P. Williamson, Netherlandish Sculpture 1450-1550, London, 2002, nos. 45-49