French or Mosan, late 14th century

Overall the condition of the ivory is good, with wear and minor dirt to the surface consistent with age. The hinges are lost, and there are some minor losses to the ivory around the cavities for the hinges. The two leaves are held together with old white tape at the back. There is minor stable splitting to the ivory consistent with the material, notably a split running vertically down the top half of the leaf with the Crucifixion. There are a few small chips and nicks, including a small loss to the top edge of the leaf with the Virgin and Child. There is minor rubbing to the carving at the high points. The colour of the ivory is slightly darkened in areas, notably around the front edges, and there is some greening where the two leaves meet. There is a circular shallow cavity to the reverse of the leaf with the Virgin, into which something may have been mounted in the past. The relief sits loosely in its mount. There is wear to the velvet covering the mount, including fraying.
"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."

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Williamson and G. Davies, Medieval Ivory Carvings: 1200-1550, cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2014, vol. 1, pp. 286-287, no. 94 and pp. 320-321, no. 109