The Wedding At Cana – Important Ivory High Relief – Germany, 18th Century – Cites

The Wedding at Cana – Important ivory high relief – Germany, 18th century – CITES

An exceptional ivory high-relief sculpture depicting the Wedding at Cana, a German work from the 18th century, presented within an imposing ebonized wooden frame featuring columns and a triangular pediment.

Description

The scene, taken from the Gospel according to Saint John (Jn 2:1–11), depicts the miracle of the Wedding at Cana, during which Christ turns water into wine.

The composition is particularly spectacular for its richness and depth. Numerous figures are arranged across several planes around the banquet table, within an interior rendered in perspective. In the foreground, the servants and the water jars play a direct role in the narrative of the miracle.

The work stands out for the great finesse of the carving, the meticulous rendering of the faces and drapery, the multitude of accessories, and the pronounced relief of certain figures, which are almost entirely set apart from the background.
The architecture, flooring, and furnishings all contribute to creating a veritable miniature theatrical setting.

The ivory group is set within an architectural structure of ebonized wood, composed of two columns supporting a powerful entablature and a triangular pediment.
The contrast between the warm tone of the antique ivory and the deep black of the frame greatly enhances the monumental character of the piece as a whole.

The official certificate accompanying the work identifies it as an 18th-century German piece and specifically designates the subject as “Le Nozze di Cana”—The Wedding at Cana.

Dimensions: Ivory only: 31.5 × 23 cm - Overall: H. 44.5 × W. 38.8 × D. 15.5 cm - Total weight: 8.506 kg
Material: elephant ivory (Elephantidae spp.)
Origin: Germany.
Period: 18th century.

The work is accompanied by its CITES certificate, No. IT/CE/2026/BG/00258, issued in Bergamo on June 8, 2026, with photographic documentation for identification purposes. Species listed in CITES Appendix I – EU Appendix A.

A particularly ambitious work of sacred art, remarkable both for the complexity of its composition and for the quality of its carving and its exceptional decorative presence.

Condition:

In good overall condition considering its age. Patina and natural variations in the ivory’s color. Traces of old glue are present, indicating previous restorations or reattachments. Some signs of wear and minor imperfections due to age. The ebonized wood structure is in very good condition.