Eucharistic Dove

This rare enamel vessel is one of only approximately thirty located examples of eucharistic doves made by the Limoges workshops in the early 13th century. Their ambitious form, elaborate champlevé decoration, and undeniable charm have placed them among the most desirable objects for the collector of medieval art. The present dove’s provenance is a testament to this: Prince Soltykoff, Alexander Basilewsky, Tsar Alexander III and Baron Thyssen-Bornemisza are among its previous owners. Eucharistic doves were used as portable tabernacles containing the consecrated host and were suspended by chains above the high altar. While the dove is a symbol of purity and innocence, the suspension of this evocative vessel over the altar demonstrates its clear association with the Holy Spirit. In 1973, Gauthier recorded a total of forty-two known enamelled doves, twelve whose locations were unknown at that time. She produced a chronology for the most important examples, comparing the use of specific designs on the plumes of the birds with those used on the documented and dated Mozac châsse and subsequently added the present example to the earliest known doves because of the particularly profuse decoration of its wings.

Gallery (1 images) French, Limoges, circa 1210
Eucharistic Dove
Gilt and champlevé enamelled copper
21.5 by 26 cm. Sold to a private collection, the Netherlands