NETHERLANDISH, 16TH CENTURY | Miniature carving with Daniel in the Lions' Den and Samson's fight with the Lion

Overall the condition of the whole is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few small losses to the miniature carvings: to behind the left lion in the Daniel scene and Daniel's proper left arm; to the lion's proper left hind leg in the Samson scene. Samson's head is reattached, as is the lion's tail and there may be some further restoration. The carvings have a reddish hue which may have been applied. The silver gilt mounts are in good condition with minor wear. There are a few small lacunae, including to the lower section of the side with the young merman. There may be restoration and regilding where the hinge clasp meets the orbs. The border mounts lift in a few areas including at the lock clasp on one side. There is a hole in the lock clasp possibly for a lost bolt.
"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."

The delicate miniature carvings of Daniel in the Lions' Den and Samson fighting the Lion in this unusual orb recall Netherlandish Gothic boxwood miniatures. The scene with Daniel, for example, with the crouching protagonist and the elaborate vaulted interior compare with the Prayer Bead with the Story of King David, believed to date to the early 16th century, in the Thomson Collection at the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto (inv. no. AGOID.29361). The present carvings seem to have been executed within this tradition but probably date to later in the 16th century, given their Renaissance style. The presence of lions and the Northern Netherlandish silver mounts may indicate that the object was conceived or appropriated as a patriotic object, since the lion became a national symbol of the United Provinces. RELATED LITERATURE
L. Ellis and Al. Suda, Small wonders: Gothic boxwood miniatures, exh. cat. Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto; Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Cloisters, New York; Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, 2016