Fantastic Antique Hand-carved, Gilded Folk Art Dove

Regular price $350.00

I had at first taken this as an eagle, but I am now thinking it must be a dove, looking quite beatific with its wide eyes, smallish beak, and most angelic wings, a symbol of peace and also the Holy Spirit. The examples most similar in manner I have found are 19th century French and French Canadian; this one I found it in an off the beaten path spot in Maine, so perhaps the latter. Based on the holes in its flat back I would think either the topper on a grand piece of furniture or architectural element, or perhaps made to hang in a civic space. It is in pretty much perfect condition, with just a tiniest ding to the tip of the beak. Very beautifully carved, with just the right amount of mellowing to the gold paint but next to no loss, and with a really wonderful presence 

12 1/2” t x 12 5/8” w x 2 1/8” d and in very very good condition, no losses, repairs, or other issues, just a very minor ding to the tip of the beak. Wired on the back for hanging.