Art Nouveau Mother-of-Pearl Bishop Portrait, c. 1900

A mother-of-pearl shell carving depicting a bearded clerical figure in flowing robes, with a long chain and prominent pectoral cross. Identified by the owner as an Orthodox bishop and attributed to Jerusalem, the portrait combines finely worked facial features and beard with broad, luminous folds of drapery.

Attributed by the owner to the Art Nouveau period, circa 1900, this portrait uses the shell's creamy tones and iridescent surface to bring subtle changes of light across the relief. Cut to follow the outline of the figure's head and shoulders, it offers a distinctive focal point for a collection of religious art or carved mother-of-pearl objects.

Details

• Item number: AO001
• Material: carved mother-of-pearl shell
• Subject: Orthodox bishop, according to the owner's identification; individual sitter unidentified
• Origin attribution: Jerusalem, according to the owner; workshop not identified
• Period attribution: Art Nouveau, circa 1900, according to the owner
• Dimensions: 125 × 95 × 8 mm

Condition

Visible surface wear, discolouration and edge irregularities. The reverse shows brown patches and a prominent irregular line across the shell that may indicate a crack or previous repair; its nature has not been established. Please examine the front, reverse and detail photographs carefully.