Hispano-Phillipine, late 17th century

Overall, the condition of the ivory is good, with some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is particular dirt in the crevices, in particular around the crown. The palm leaf is loose. The palm leaf and the hands are probably of the period, but it is possible that they are replacements. There is some stable splitting to the ivory, consistent with the material, particularly to the top of the head, and there are two slightly open but stable splits running from below the arms to the bottom of the drapery. There is an oval ivory insert to the top of the head. The ivory has yellowed in areas, notably to the back of the Saint, to the proper right knee and to the nose. The ivory is very slightly uneven at the bottom, causing it to rock a little when placed on a level surface. There is some minor rubbing to the ivory at the high points and at the edges of the feet and the drapery. There is also rubbing to the gilding throughout, and it has rubbed off in several areas. There are remnants of a paper label to the underside.
"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."

Forbidden by her father to become a nun, Isabel Flores de Oliva-Rosa became a lay member of the Dominican order. She died at the age of 31 in 1617 and her funeral took place in Lima Cathedral; she was canonised by Clement X in 1671, becoming the first person in the New World to be sanctified. The present figure holds a martyr's palm in her left hand  with the edges of her robe, her chaplet and her crown of thorns heightened with gilding. For other versions see Estella Marcos (1984, op.cit.) figs. 288-291, nos 644-669.

RELATED LITERATURE
M. M. Estella Marcos, La Escultura Barrocca de Marfil en Espana, Madrid 1984; M. M.Estella Marcos, Ivories: From the Far Eastern Provinces of Spain and Portugal, Monterrey 1997, pp. 116-117, no. 47