Ivory reliefs showing scenes from the life of Christ. French, 18th/19th cen

A pair of ivory reliefs showing scenes from the life of Christ.

French, probably Dieppe, late 18th - early 18th century.

Each relief measures 15 x 9cm and 23.5 x 18cm including their later velvet display frames.

The first relief depicts the Virgin and child with Saints John and Joseph, hailed by angels.

The second relief shows the descent from the cross in which four men remove the nails binding Christ and carry his body to the ground.

Each relief is surrounded by a laurel and surmounted by foliage centred with a juvenile, winged telamon.