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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1977.216.246
Title
Dove
Classification
Sculpture
Work Type
sculpture
Date
late 6th century BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Europe, Boeotia
Culture
Greek
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/287841

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Terracotta

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Transfer from the Department of the Classics, Harvard University, Gift of Pfeiffer-Hartwell Collection
Accession Year
1977
Object Number
1977.216.246
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Commentary
This terracotta figurine of a bird most likely represents a dove, a bird often associated with the goddess Aphrodite. The dove represents love, beauty, sexuality, and other qualities consistent with Aphrodite. Doves are also thought to have a connection with death, as they are sometimes seen on grave reliefs of young children, perhaps as a companion for the dead. Doves were also a preferred sacrificial victim for Aphrodite: a terracotta dove such as this one would could have been dedicated to Aphrodite as a votive offering in place of the sacrifice of a real dove.

Exhibition History

Related Works

Verification Level

This record was created from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator; it may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu