Description:

Magna Graecia, Southern Italy, Apulia, Canosan colonies, ca. 4th to 3rd century BCE. A charming pair of pottery votive doves likely made from the same mold, their white bodies decorated with red geometric motifs. Live doves were used in religious ceremonies in Greco-Roman religions and were associated with the cult of Aphrodite and carved or pottery effigies of birds were often given as offerings - a pair of doves would be a fitting offering for the goddess of love! Birds were incredibly important in the religious beliefs of Greco-Roman people, special priests known as augurs studied the flight, species, feather color, and time of day in relation to bird sightings in order to divine the future and receive blessings from the gods. Size of single bird: 6" L x 2" W x 2.75" H (15.2 cm x 5.1 cm x 7 cm); 5.25" H (13.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Superior, Colorado, USA collection, ex-H. Sarner collection, Palm Springs, California, USA acquired before 1995

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#175694

  • Condition: Professionally repaired and restored, areas of infill and overpainted painting to break lines on tails and heads of both birds. Repairs are nearly indiscernible. Great remains of pigments throughout.

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November 10, 2022 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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