
May one see it?
London, United Kingdom
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
Ivory was popular as a material for religious subjects, especially during the 17th and 18th centuries. Spanish and Portuguese patrons imported ivories carved with Christian imagery from their territories overseas, such as the Philippines, Mexico and Goa. German and Netherlandish artists were renowned for their dexterity in ivory carving. Their reliefs are masterpieces of composition and virtuosity.
This relief representing the Holy Trinity was probably made in Germany, ca. 1700-1720. It may well be based on an engraved source, and was probably fixed to a house-altar or box.
Victoria and Albert Museum