Writing Tablet with the Annunciation, Visitation, and Nativity of Christ Ivory, Europe, late 14th century Dimensions: h. 11.2 × w. 6.5 cm With CITES certificate for commercial activities within the EU This two-part ivory writing tablet depicts three episodes from the life of Mary, arranged in two registers, each set beneath Gothic-profiled arches. Upper register – Nativity of Christ On the left side of the composition, the swaddled Christ Child is shown lying in a woven cradle. Above this, Mary reclines with her head resting on her hand, while with her other hand she tenderly touches the Child. To the right, Joseph is depicted leaning on his staff and gesturing toward the viewer with an open hand. In the foreground, the ox and the ass are visible, positioned in front of the cradle. In the upper right of the scene, an angel with a scroll appears, accompanied by a shepherd wearing a Gothic-style cloak who looks on at the scene. Several small sheep in relief emphasize the pastoral character of the composition, which ultimately derives from Byzantine prototypes. Lower register – Annunciation and Visitation On the left, the Annunciation is depicted: the angel Gabriel approaches Mary from the left. Mary holds a closed book in her left hand, while her right hand is raised openly toward the viewer, a gesture expressing both receptivity and wonder. Between Saint Mary and the angel a vase with a big lily, symbol for the virginity of Mary. On the right follows the Visitation. Elizabeth stands opposite Mary and places her hand on Mary’s womb, expressing her intuitive recognition of the pregnancy. Mary remains in the same pose as in the preceding scene, creating stylistic and thematic continuity. The two scenes are separated by a small column, yet are clearly connected thematically. This writing tablet unites three intimate, theologically charged moments from the life of Mary in a single, portable object. The work not only provided a focus for devotion, but also demonstrates how medieval artists were able to weave complex iconography with subtle gestures and interpersonal dynamics within a small format. The rather naïve composition of this tablet could point to an origin in ther outskirts of Paris, wich was the centre of this type of carvings in the 14th century. An origin of this writing tablet in Cologne is a possibility. Provenance: From a private Dutch collection assembled in the fifty's and sixties of the past century. CITES certificate present for commercial activities within the EU This item contains material (e.g. ivory) that falls under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In accordance with CITES regulations, this object can only be shipped within the European Union. Unfortunately, we are unable to export this piece outside the EU. Registered shipping