Rare Carved Ivory Devotional Plaque – The Nativity – 18th / Early 19th Century

Rare carved ivory devotional plaque – The Nativity – 18th / early 19th century

A very beautiful and delicate devotional plaque, presumed to be made of ivory, finely carved in bas-relief, depicting the Nativity and the Adoration of the Infant Jesus by the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph.

Description

This small work of sacred art stands out for the remarkable thinness of its base—which is only about 1 to 2 mm thick in the unsculpted areas—and for the quality of the craftsmanship achieved on such a small scale.

The composition depicts the Infant Jesus lying on a cloth in the foreground, raising one arm toward his parents.
On the left, Saint Joseph, kneeling with his hands clasped in prayer, bows his bearded face toward the Child. On the right, the Virgin Mary, wrapped in a loose-fitting cloak and her head covered with a veil, is lost in contemplation in a pose full of tenderness.

The figures are set against a stone architectural backdrop, arranged around an arched opening.

In the upper section, an angel with wings spread wide appears among the clouds, holding up a flowing drapery above the Holy Family.

The delicacy of the carving is particularly remarkable. Despite the miniature dimensions and the thinness of the plaque, the artist succeeded in giving the figures a real sense of depth.

The delicately modeled faces, the hands with individually defined fingers, the folds of the clothing, the angel’s wings, and the architectural details all attest to meticulous craftsmanship.
The varying levels of relief lend movement and depth to this Baroque-inspired religious composition.

The reverse, which is entirely flat, features fine longitudinal striations, numerous old signs of handling, and a beautiful natural patina in shades of cream and honey.
The plaque has a slightly scalloped cutout at the top and bottom. A hole allows it to be hung using a red ribbon.

It is accompanied by an antique presentation case, burgundy on the outside and lined with light-colored fabric on the inside.

Origin: European work; exact geographical origin to be determined.
Period: 18th–early 19th century; proposed stylistic dating, though an earlier origin cannot be ruled out.
Material: presumed ivory, featuring a beautiful antique patina.

Dimensions: Height: 7.5 cm x Width: 5 cm

Condition

Appears to be in good overall condition, with an antique patina, signs of use, and fine scratches on the reverse. A few minor irregularities along the edges.

Please feel free to contact me for any additional information or to request more photos of the items offered for sale.