Miniature altarpiece (V&A 225-1866)

The central carving is made from boxwood and shows a relief of the Virgin and Child attended by two saints, thought to be Anne (who is shown with wings and holding a large crucifix) and James the Great (who wears a hat and holds a staff).

[3] The outer semi-circular wings and shell are lined with silver[4] and decorated with foliate designs.

It stands on a silver plinth with pierced quatrefoils, and topped by a cherub's head and a statuette of God the Father.

[1] Two lay figures keel at prayer desks before the saints;[1] presumably these are the object's donors or commissioners.

It has the accession number 225-1866, having been acquired for £14 at the Le Charpentier sale at the Hôtel Drouot on 23 May 1866.