Circle of Gerard van Opstal (circa 1597-1668) Southern Netherlandish, mid-17th century

with a label to the back of the frame inscribed in Dutch with a biography of Van Opstal

Noble collection, Belgium;
Belgian collection

Overall the condition of the ivory is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age, notably dirt in the crevices. There are a few very minor losses, including to some edges of the foliage. There is some stable hairline splitting to the ivory, consistent with the material, in particular to the saint's torso and his proper right leg. There are minor areas of scratching, which may be original to the piece. The relief is slightly loose in the frame, but stable. The frame is in good condition with minor dirt and wear consistent with age. It is composed of sections, with stable joints slightly visible. There is minor stable splitting to the wood, consistent with the material. There are a few chips to the wood, notably at the top.
"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."

Stylistically the present relief shows a striking affinity with works by Gerard van Opstal, who hailed from Brussels but was active in Paris from 1642 under the patronage of Cardinal Richelieu. The impressionistic carving of details such as the hair, the putto, and the exclusion of a background compare closely to van Opstal's reliefs, whose subjects focus on mythological scenes involving putti. Religious themes are less typical of the sculptor's oeuvre, though a relief of the Immaculata survives in Vienna (Kunsthistorisches Museum, inv. no. D 205).

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Malgouyres, 'Gérard van Opstal et la sculpture en ivoire', D. Alcouffe (ed.), Un temps d'exubérance. Les arts décoratifs sous Louis XIII et Anne d'autriche, exh. cat. Galeries Nationales Du Grand Palais, Paris, 2002, pp. 448-459