Lot 172: ATTRIBUTED TO MATTHEUS VAN BEVEREN (1630-1690) NETHERLANDISH, ANTWERP, CIRCA 1670-1680 | Large Corpus Christi

ivory, in a later gilt wood and velvet covered frame

corpus: 85cm., 33½in.<br />frame: 149cm., 58¾in.

ivory, in a later gilt wood and velvet covered frame

Overall the condition of the ivory is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is stable splitting to the ivory throughout, consistent with the material, notably at the face, torso and legs. Numerous of the splits have darkened with age and dirt. A split running from the proper right wrist through the forearm to the elbow appears to have fractured and has been subsequently restored (very competently). The corpus is carved in sections, and joints are visible at the shoulders. The joint at the proper right shoulder is open, and the arm would be loose if it were not affixed to the frame at the hand. Part of the drapery on the proper left side has been reattached and there are some restorations. Three fingers of the proper right hand have been reattached. There are small specks of dirt, including around the proper right eye. There are some glue residues to the proper left hip. There are a few minor chips, including to the high points of the drapery and to the edges of the title plaque. There is an unusual naturally occurring crescent-shaped grain to the ivory in a few areas, such as at the forehead and hair, at the proper left side of the thorax and at the proper left thigh. The gilt wood frame is in good condition with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is some stable splitting to the wood consistent with the material.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

recorded in the inventaire après décès of P.J.F. Vrancken, 11 August 1833

Pierre Jacques François Vrancken, Lokeren, until 1833;
and thence by descent to Theresia Caroline Van den Berghe, Lokeren, until 1838 at the latest;
from whom purchased by Dr. Thuysbaert;
and thence by family descent to the present owner, Brussels