"CHARLES V AND POPE LEO" A MAGNIFICENT CARVED IVORY AND EMBOSSED SILVER MOUNTED PRESENTATION TRAY Germany, circa 1870's

the central carved oval relief shows Charles V and Pope Leo on horseback attended by noblemen and clergymen, set within an embossed and chased silver plate with scrolled foliate design on matte ground, the border carved with medieval battle scenes interspersed with coats of arms, centered by the Austrian-Hapsburg imperial coat of arms and a roundel of Charles V. 

Overall in very good condition with tarnishing to silver that can be cleaned and hairline cracks to ivory consistent with age. The tray is large and the carving well detailed.
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.

First introduced to Europe during the crusades of the thirteenth century, ivory has historically been treated as a precious material associated with exoticism and luxury.  Like porcelain, rock crystal and hardstone it was often mounted in silver or gold in an effort to emphasize its value.  Its fine grain and subtle sheen made it an ideal material for finely detailed carving.

Because ivory was a material sourced through maritime trade, the main production centers of carved ivory have consequently been in the harbor towns of Germany, Italy, Flanders and France.  The Norman harbor city of Dieppe was one of the most active European harbors of the sixteenth century onwards and has long been considered the center of carved ivory work in Europe.   

Ivory sculptors of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries drew inspiration from classical and Renaissance sources.  Themes were typically biblical, mythological or historical.  During the nineteenth century this subject matter remained popular, and was often re-imagined within the context of various revival styles.