GERMAN (SECOND HALF 19TH CENTURY)

The present, finely carved ivory relief almost certainly represents a scene from the Second Punic War (218-201 B.C.), a conflict between Rome and Carthage for control over the western Mediterranean. One of the most important figures of this conflict was the renowned Carthaginian military commander, Hannibal, whose acute military acumen led to important victories over the Romans, and who staged epic sieges, one of which is perhaps represented in the present lot. With its central figures, the present relief closely relates to a larger one sold by the Maridon Museum, Christie’s, New York, 14-15 April 2011, lot 40 ($254,500).