1977.216.246: Dove
Sculpture
This object does not yet have a description.
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 Objects
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