Monastic Patience Work - Bone - 1850-1900 - Bone altar model





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Has 20 years of experience trading curios, including 15 years with a leading French dealer.
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Description from the seller
Large carved-bone altar model – a monk’s patience work, 19th century
Imposing model representing a church altar entirely made of carved bone, with remarkable fineness of execution.
The ensemble depicts a complete high altar with central tabernacle, summit cross, steps, candelabras, liturgical lecterns, sacred vases, and an altar rail. The openwork architectural decoration, very rich, follows a neo-Gothic vocabulary, with a multitude of handcrafted miniature details.
This type of work, often referred to as a 'patience work', is generally attributed to monastic workshops or 19th-century artisans, often in Alpine regions (Tyrol, Bavaria, Switzerland) or Central Europe. The quality and complexity of this piece clearly place it well above ordinary productions.
Dimensions: L 46 cm – H 45 cm
Material: carved bone (probably bovine bone)
Era: 19th century
Condition: good overall considering the extreme fragility, with a few small losses and signs of wear.
Rare piece, with strong decorative presence, ideal for a religious art collection or curiosity cabinet.
Photos are an integral part of the object description and complement the presentation. They allow you to assess its condition and features. Please examine them carefully before any commitment.
Due to the extreme fragility of this piece, no shipment will be made by the seller. Transport must be organized and paid for by the buyer.
Happy bidding
Seller's Story
Large carved-bone altar model – a monk’s patience work, 19th century
Imposing model representing a church altar entirely made of carved bone, with remarkable fineness of execution.
The ensemble depicts a complete high altar with central tabernacle, summit cross, steps, candelabras, liturgical lecterns, sacred vases, and an altar rail. The openwork architectural decoration, very rich, follows a neo-Gothic vocabulary, with a multitude of handcrafted miniature details.
This type of work, often referred to as a 'patience work', is generally attributed to monastic workshops or 19th-century artisans, often in Alpine regions (Tyrol, Bavaria, Switzerland) or Central Europe. The quality and complexity of this piece clearly place it well above ordinary productions.
Dimensions: L 46 cm – H 45 cm
Material: carved bone (probably bovine bone)
Era: 19th century
Condition: good overall considering the extreme fragility, with a few small losses and signs of wear.
Rare piece, with strong decorative presence, ideal for a religious art collection or curiosity cabinet.
Photos are an integral part of the object description and complement the presentation. They allow you to assess its condition and features. Please examine them carefully before any commitment.
Due to the extreme fragility of this piece, no shipment will be made by the seller. Transport must be organized and paid for by the buyer.
Happy bidding
