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   USA > New York City > Metropolitan Museum of Art > > Silver dove
Silver dove

Silver dove





Artist : Anonymous


Date : approx. between 500 and 650

Material : Silver
Acquisition : The Attarouthi Treasure (1956)
Metropolitan Museum of Art

Center
Ground Floor
Item 10 on 80
Objet(s) d'Art
Object of worship

Vitrine : V01

Area related
Attarouthi (Syrie)

Description   

The dove, with wings spread and feet tucked up as if in flight, represents the Holy Spirit that appeared over the head of Christ when he was baptized by Saint John the Baptist. Early authors mention the presence of doves over altars of churches from Constantinople to Tours in France. This is the earliest known example to the type. Originally a small cross hung from the loop in its beak.
Silver dove
Anonyme
Saint-Esprit
Colombe