Attribution
Unknown

Polychromy - Gilding
Traces of polychromy, especially in the spandrels on either side of the lower arch. Traces of gilding along the hems of the clothes. At the back, small full-length figure of a standing bearded saint, painted and with gilding.

Reverse
At the back, small full-length painted figure of a nimbed saint with gilding. The head of the saint is incised into the ivory. This saint is painted in an old-fashioned style (usually datable c. 1250-1260).

Object Condition
Upper part broken and recarved to conform with the arch (probably originally gabled). Broken around the hinges. The right border has been recut.

Provenance
Collection of John Watkins Brett (b, 1803, d. 1863), London; sold, London, 18 April 1864, lot 2008; Collection of Octave Homberg (b. 1876, d. 1941), Paris: his sale, Paris, 11 May 1908, lot 484; bought by Henry Walters from Jacques Seligmann in 1912 in Paris; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Bibliography
R. Koechlin, Les Ivoires gothiques français (Paris, 1924), I, p. 135; II, no. 184; III, pl. XLV.
R. H. Randall, Masterpieces of Ivory from the Walters Art Gallery (New York, 1985), no. 295.