German, Upper Rhine, probably late 14th/ early 15th century

with a GEORGE-EUMORFOPOULOS label on the reverse of the relief and a MARIA BAER COLLECTION label on the stand

George Aristides Eumorfopoulos, London, until 1939;
and thence by family descent;
their sale, Sotheby's London, 3 April 1984, lot 77;
with Maria Baer, London;
her sale, Sotheby's London, 20 April 2005, lot 7

Overall the condition of the relief is good with wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are some old varnishes, which have worn in areas, chiefly around the edges of the frame. The relief is composed in sections, numerous of which appear to have been reattached as old glue residues are visible, particularly at the centre of the relief. The far right acorn on the bottom edge is reattached. An acorn is lost at the right side. There is some wax residue in the crevices of some of the figures. There are several minor chips to the outer edges of the relief. There is an area of relatively recent wear to the back under the inventory sticker. There are residues of blue paint to the back. There is wear to the velvet on the mount, and a few losses to the velvet at the corners.
"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."

A closely related plaque from a casket made from pewter was in the Collection Figdor, sold in Vienna on 11-13 June 1930, lot 219. These reliefs were likely mounted in a similar way as those made from bone on two caskets in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. nos. A.570 and A.571-1910).