113

Borrelli

Italian ivory plaque depicting the Holy Family, Late 19th, early 20th century

Height x width x depth: 7 x 9.7 x 0.7 cm. Weight: approx. 39 g.
Ivory sculpture of an elephant (Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 or Loxodonta africana Blumenbach, 1797), carved to represent the Virgin Mary semi-recumbent, holding the Child Jesus in her arms. With her face turned to the left, Mary seems to be addressing St. John. The scene recalls depictions of everyday life.
Ivory, a symbol of purity, allows for delicate details such as this: Mary is depicted with a gentle, maternal expression, with delicate features and her face framed by neatly veiled hair. The Child Jesus, probably asleep, is serene in his mother's arms, while St. John, with a tender gesture, approaches him, touching his leg.

Signed bottom right "Borrelli"
This lot, accompanied by a CITES certificate, is only available for sale with shipments within the European Union.
€ 1.200,00 / 1.500,00
Estimate
€ 750,00
Starting price
Unsold
Evaluate a similar item
Live auction 327

Curiosities from European and Oriental Art
Silvers, Ivories, Corals, Icons and Wunderkammer

Palazzo Caetani Lovatelli, tue 25 February 2025
FIRST SESSION    25/02/2025   Hours 12:00 pm  
Lots 1/167
SECOND SESSION    25/02/2025   Hours 04:00 pm  
Lots 168/346
Discover Similar Lots