Wood, carved, gilded and painted gray
Italy, 19th century
Sculptural executed depiction of two lovebirds
Performing a mating dance on rocky bases
Rather elaborately carved plumage
Worked three dimensional
Dimensions: c. 43.6 x 50 x 38 cm

Already in ancient times and later on, the pigeon as Turtle Dove was assigned to Aphrodite/Venus. The painting Venus and Adonis by Annibale Carracci from 1588-89 shows a pair of lovebirds to the feet of Venus as her attribute. Pigeons were also considered as symbol of Eros/Cupido. In addition to this, thePhysiologus regards the turtledove, who is living lonely and solitary on a dry tree after her husband's death, as symbol of conjugal devotion. Until today pairs of doves (especially white doves) are considered as the symbol of love par excellence.



Condition:

The sculpture displays heavier signs of age and wear and has presumably been partially restored. The surfaces are heavier rubbed and bumped in places. One wing is slightly loose and one has been repaired. Partially the wood is wormy (inactive). The dimensions measure c. 43.6 x 50 x 38 cm. (nlu)

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