Italian, Venice, late 12th/ early 13th century

of arched form, centred by a stylised tree flanked below by two attacking panthers, centred by two peacocks and surmounted by two further birds, dentellated border and stylised rosaces  

This relief is in excellent condition. The edges are rough from when it was removed from its original placement. The relief exhibits surface dirt and marks consistent with having once had lichen on it which has now been removed. Otherwise, there are minor chips and wear.
"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."

The subject of this relief is the Tree of Life, an iconography inspired by Byzantine art, which was popular in Venice in the 12th and 13th centuries. Found with both arched and ogival tops, the former are generally thought to be earlier in date. Such panels were originally set on to the façades of houses and churches. Designs such as the Tree or Fountain of Life, peacocks and and attacking panthers demonstrate the close cultural and trading ties between Venice and the East, through which the older traditions and ideals from further east reached Europe.

Similar reliefs with the Tree of Life can still be seen in situ in Venice; note for example the panel on the Palazetto Stern on the Grand Canal and in the courtyard of the Campo San Vio, both illustrated by Rizzi.

RELATED LITERATURE
W. F. Volbach, Mittelalterliche Bildwerke aus Italien und Byzanz (Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, 1930) pp. 38-43; A. Rizzi, Scultura Esterna a Venezia (Venice, 1987) pp. 21-34; P. Williamson, Catalogue of Romanesque Sculpture (Victoria and Albert Museum, 1983) no. 30