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18th C. Giltwood Pelican Feeding Chicks Eucharist Allegory Religious Sculpture

$2,562.32
£1,941.02
€2,200
CA$3,549.75
A$3,981.28
CHF 2,084.94
MX$48,376.47
NOK 26,475.20
SEK 25,100.35
DKK 16,750.29

About the Item

A striking 18th century Spanish giltwood religious sculptural panel, possibly part of an altarpiece, its central decorative motif of a stylized pelican bird and chicks a symbol of the holy Eucharist. Skillfully carved in hardwood and treated with gold leaf, the surface is detailed with hand-worked incisions and patterns. The piece is in very good overall condition - there are some small areas of professional restoration which are inconspicuous. The idea that a mother pelican would open a wound in its chest and feed its young with its own blood goes back to at least the ancient Egyptians, who believed that in times of famine, pelicans wounded themselves and fed their chicks with blood to prevent starvation. It is possible this idea was inspired by the habit of the birds often resting their large bills on their chests, and that their throat pouches turn a bright red color during breeding season. Early Christian myth from the 2nd century tells of a mother pelican who kills her disobedient chicks, but is able to bring them back to life after three days with her heart’s blood, dying in the process. Allegories of generosity and sacrifice involving heart’s blood directly link the image of the mother pelican with Christ’s sacrifice of His own life for the souls of humanity. The image of a “pelican in her piety” symbolizing the Eucharist can be found in many forms throughout Christian religious art and architecture.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 13 in (33 cm)Width: 23.23 in (59 cm)Depth: 5.52 in (14 cm)
  • Style:
    Baroque (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Gesso,Gold Leaf,Hardwood,Carved,Gilt,Hand-Carved,Hand-Crafted,Woodwork
  • Place of Origin:
    Spain
  • Period:
    18th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Unknown
  • Condition:
    Repaired: Small areas of the giltwood surface have been professionally restored. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses.
  • Seller Location:
    Madrid, ES
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU3306145664202

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