Indo-Portuguese, Goa, 17th-century and later

Private collection, Spain, since circa 1960

Overall the condition is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. It is possible that some of the silver and other elements could be later. There are breaks and some losses to the pearls, particularly around the vessels. Some of the leaves are warped. There is minor oxidation to the silver, including to the mandorla. There is minor wear to the gilding and polychromy on the ivory. There are a few chips and scratches to the glass within the tabernacle. There are some small fissures and losses to some of the silver leaves, particularly towards the bottom. There is minor wear to the ebonised wood 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."

This magnificent ensemble is a testament to the merging of cultures on the Subcontinent in the 17th century, as well as the wealth of materials being traded and exported to Europe. The facial type and hair of the Virgin compare closely with a bust of the Virgin in the Victoria and Albert Museum, catalogued by Trusted as Goa, circa 1650 (inv. no.  A15-1922). The border of the Virgin's mantle is very similar to that seen on a 17th-century ivory Virgin of the Immaculate Conception in the Roberta and Richard Huber Collection (op. cit., p. 96).

RELATED LITERATURE
S. L. Stratton-Pruit (ed.), with M. Estella Marcos, Journeys to New Worlds: Spanish and Portuguese Colonial Art in the Roberta and Richard Huber Collection, exh. cat. Philadelphia Museum of Art, New Haven and London, 2013, p. 96, no. 37; M. Trusted, Baroque and Later Ivories, cat. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2013, pp. 366-367, no. 359