This monumental amber and ivory altar is from Danzig (now Gdansk), and was probably produced in the second quarter of the 17th century. The form of the altar resembles mid-17th century North German wall monuments. The central amber relief of the Adoration of the Shepherds is based on a Netherlandish print, and engraved sources are also likely to have been used for the ivory reliefs also to be seen here. Few parallels can be cited for such an elaborate work of art in amber.
Physical description
This altar stands on four ivory cushion feet. It has a carcase of wood with applied amber and ivory panels and relief. The front displays scenes and figures from the New Testament. In the centre is a relief of the Adoration of the Shepherds. On the back is a perpetual calendar, and further Biblical scenes. Great attention has been given to details.
Place of Origin
Gdansk, Poland (made)
Date
1625-1650 (made)
Artist/maker
unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Amber and ivory on a wooden carcase
Dimensions
Height: 121.2 cm, Length: 52.8 cm base, Depth: 38 cm base
Object history note
Formerly in the collection of Sir E. Naylor Leyland. Sold at the sale of contents of Hyde Park House, 11 June 1923, lot 186
Descriptive line
Altar, of amber and ivory on a wooden carcase, Danzig, second quarter of the 17th century
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Trusted, Marjorie. Catalogue of European Ambers in the Victoria and Albert Museum. London : Victoria and Albert Museum, 1985. 119 p., ill. ISBN 0948107138, cat. no. 9
Marcos, Estella M. M., La Escultura Barroca de Marfil en España, Madrid, 1984, II, pp. 336-7
Grimaldi, D. A. Amber: Window to the Past, American Museum of Natural History, 1996, p. 172
there wrongly dated to c. 1775-1800
Labels and date
ALTAR
GERMAN, Danzig (now Gdansk, Poland); around 1650
Amber was used to adorn precious religious and secular objects in Poland, Denmark and Prussia especially during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Often, as here, it was combined with ivory. This imposing altar is one of the most impressive of such works to survive. On the front are scenes from the New Testament, while on the back are Old Testament scenes, and a perpetual calendar.
Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh F. S. A.
A.1-1950 [1980-1990]
Production Note
Gdansk (Danzig)
Materials
Ivory; Amber
Subjects depicted
Jesus Christ; Mary (Virgin Mary); Fruit; Bird; Flower; Festoons; Architecture; Angel; Eagle; John (Saint John the Baptist); Vine; Column; John (Saint John the Evangelist); Shepherd; Eve; Moses; Adam; Ox; Donkey; Gabriel (Angel); Cherubim; Wise Men; Luke (Saint); Apostle; Garden of Eden; Saint Peter; Mark (Saint); Elijah; Jonah; Winged lion; Winged ox; Evangelists; Whale; Zacchaeus; Capricorn symbol; Sagittarius symbol; Aquarius symbol; Cancer symbol; Gemini symbol; Leo symbol; Libra symbol; Pisces symbol; Scorpio symbol; Taurus symbol; Virgo symbol; Aries symbol; Zodiac symbol
Categories
Sculpture; Christianity
Collection code
SCP
