Italian, probably Tuscany, dated 1537

Overall the condition of the marble is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are small chips and scratches throughout,in particular to the edges and corners. There are two iron hinges in the front on the right which would have secured a bronze door, now lost. There is a hole in the front on the left for the door latch. The reverse and sides have been left roughly hewn.There are a few patches of composite material in the back and sides, possibly filling old holes. The modern metal stand is in good condition.
"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 beautiful tabernacle front would have been embedded in a wall or part of a free-standing structure. The space at its centre, once covered by a bronze door, gave access to a 'room' in which the Eucharist or relics were stored. Similar architectural tabernacles were carved in and around Florence in the 15th and early 16th centuries; for the general form and decorative scheme, compare the tabernacle from the Church of Santa Chiara, Florence, in the Victoria and Albert Museum (inv. no. 7720&A-1861), as well as simpler designs illustrated in Rapetti, op. cit., nos. 94-96. 

RELATED LITERATURE
C. Rapetti, Storie di marmo: Sculture del Rinascimento fra Liguria e Toscana, Milan, 1998