Embriachi Workshop, Italian, Venice, 15th century

with an old label on the reverse

Overall the condition of the triptych is good. There is wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age and handling, with particular wear to the outside of the shutters around the lock. There is some naturally occurring worming to the wood core, particularly to the reverse. The section of wood on the reverse was possibly attached later. There are several losses to the inlay including along the base and to the pinnacles on each side of the central gable and around the joints. There are some minor chips to the reliefs and sides of the triptych. Some of the reliefs are pierced with squares. There is a later drilled hole to the underside of the base.
"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."

with an old label on the reverse printed: Petit triptyque en marqueterie de bois et d'os, orné de Plaquettes d'os sculptées en bas-relief et représentant des scènes religieuses, - Italie XVe siècle. and inscribed in pencil: du Embriachi

It is rare to find a travelling triptych from the Embriachi workshop incorporating such small scenes. Normally, three figures are set in a single register. This example seems to be a miniaturised version of a much larger type of Embriachi altarpiece like the one formerly in the convent of Santa Maria Novella in Florence (now Bargello, cf. Tomasi).

RELATED LITERATURE
M. Tomasi, La Bottega degli Embriachi, cat. Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence, 2001, pp. 21-25, no. 3