Statue Of Henry VIII Carved In Ivory, German Manufacture, 19th Century, With Ebony Base

Refined carved ivory statue depicting King Henry VIII of England, executed with great skill by German craftsmen in the 19th century; the work represents a fine example of 19th-century decorative sculpture inspired by historical revival, portraying the famous Tudor monarch standing with a proud and authoritative expression, wearing a feathered hat and richly detailed garments faithful to the fashion of the period. The sculpture is carved in the round and displays remarkable technical mastery, evident in the complex folds of the clothing, the facial features, the rendering of the hair, and the sword held in the king’s left hand. The statue is entirely made of ivory, probably elephant ivory (Elephas maximus or Loxodonta africana), a material widely used in German artistic production of the 19th century, with stylistic comparisons also found in French works, particularly from Dieppe. The stepped base, elegant and well-proportioned, is composed of circular ivory elements combined with a polished ebony structure, creating a refined chromatic contrast. The work dates to the 19th century and is accompanied by a CITES certificate, in compliance with current regulations governing the trade and circulation of ivory.