Circle of Mattheus van Beveren, Flemish, second half 17th century

Overall the condition of the ivory is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age and handling. Both of Christ's thumbs are missing. There is a small hole in the Virgin's head. There is some naturally occurring stable splitting to the ivory, including a split at the Virgin's proper left side. The group is glued to the base and the glue has seeped out onto the bottom of the sculpture and onto the base. There is dirt and wear to the base. There are splits in the ivory sections of the base and the lowest band of ivory is slightly loose at the split. A piece of wood has been lost at the back of the base and there are stable cracks to the wood immediately behind the sculpture. There are a couple of worm holes in the wood, but there does not appear to be active worming.
"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."

Compare the treatment to the drapery with its soft intricate scrunched folds with those on the ivory figure of the Virgin and Child and the terracotta bozetto of the monument to Count Lamoral Claude Francois von Thurn und Taxis dating to 1676 illustrated (op.cit.).

RELATED LITERATURE
De beeldhouwkunst in de eeuw van Rubens in de Zuidelijke Nederlanden en het prinsbisdom Luik, exh. cat. Koninklijke Musea voor Schone Kunsten van Belgie, Brussels, 1977, pp. 196-197, nos. 158-9