Extremely Rare Carved Ivory Plaque – Bust Of St. John The Baptist

An extraordinary and rare ivory plaque, finely carved in high relief, depicting a Bust of Saint John the Baptist in Prayer.

The piece stands out for its exceptional sculptural quality, characterized by intense anatomical rendering and vibrant modeling that clearly evokes the style and artistic sensibility of Albrecht Dürer and the great Northern Renaissance tradition. The expressiveness of the face, the flowing details of the hair, and the mystical tension of the clasped hands reveal the hand of an exceptional master.

Given its type and dimensions, the work was likely originally part of a larger decorative composition, designed to embellish the exterior of a wooden Wunderkammer casket or a small portable altar.

• Period / Date: Renaissance / Early 16th century (in the style of Dürer’s models)
  
• Material: Antique-patinated ivory
  
• Dimensions: 7 x 5 cm
  
• Condition: Excellent condition, with a beautiful antique patina.
  

Documentation and Legal Compliance

The work fully complies with current regulations governing the trade in antique ivory art objects and is accompanied by a valid CITES certificate (IT/CE/2023/MI/00580), an essential requirement for lawful circulation and the buyer’s protection.