Courting couple (meeting of lovers); lady holding a chaplet.
Dalton 1909: French, 14th century.
Koechlin 1924: French, 2nd half of 14th century.
Museum's Opinion 2010: French, 14th century.
Attribution
Unknown
Polychromy - Gilding
No gilding or polychromy on the front. Painted on the reverse.
Reverse
Recessed to receive the wax, with a raised border. The reverse is painted (post-medieval): standing Virgin and Child. This scene is continued on the back of 1881,0802.12, also in the British Museum, where a cardinal is depicted, kneeling in prayer (see related object link).
Object Condition
Painting rubbed on the reverse. Vertical crack down the middle of the panel. Two holes on the left side, possibly to make it form a diptych with 1881,0802.12.
Comments
The painting on the reverse originally formed part of a larger scene. This writing tablet is paired with the painting on the reverse of 1881,0802.12 which is also in the British Museum.
Provenance
Collection of Robert von Hirsch (b. 1883, d. 1977); collection of Robin Symes, art dealer (in 1978 or before); bought from him by the British Museum in 1978.
Bibliography
O. M. Dalton, Catalogue of the Ivory Carvings of the Christian Era in the British Museum (London, 1909), no. 359, Pl. LXXXII (forms a pair with this object).
R. Koechlin, Les Ivoires gothiques français (Paris, 1924), II, no. 1190 (forms a pair with this object).
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