Two german ivory carvings, 19th century

Height x width x depth: 16.5 x 9 x 7 cm; 17 x 7 x 7 cm. Total weight. 1610 g.

The two sculptures, carved in the round in elephant ivory (Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 or Loxodonta africana Blumenbach, 1797) and resting and resting on a shaped ebonised wood plinth, represent two elderly men caught in the intent to strike two young men.
In the first, an elderly man, with an expression of anger, is about to slap a young woman holding her by the neck; in the second, an elderly woman, with a similar expression to the previous one, is about to strike a young man with a tool that has been lost, while the young man hugs her legs with a look of terror.
The sculptures display a dramatic and expressive style, with attention to anatomical details and the dynamism of the scene, with a focus on facial expressions that convey strong tension.

These sculptures can be interpreted as moralising scenes, a common theme in 19th century art: the contrast between old age and youth represented a reflection on discipline. 

This lot, accompanied by a CITES certificate, is only available for sale with shipments within the European Union.