Eucharistic Dove

Description Used for storing communion wafers, doves such as this were suspended above the altar to signify the presence of the Holy Spirit at the Mass. On this fine, colorful example, the sparkling glass eyes and shimmering enamels on the wings and tail highlight the richness of the material of the liturgical vessel. The wafers were stored in a cavity under a hinged lid on the bird's back.

Exhibitions

• Secrets of Our Own. The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore. 0.
• Five Year Favorites. Junior Art Gallery, Louisville. 1955.
• Early Birds. Junior Art Gallery, Louisville. 1954.
• Religious Art of the Western World. Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas. 1958.
• The Arts of Man. Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas. 1962.
• Art of the Romanesque. University Art Gallery, South Bend. 1994.
• Russian Enamels. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1996-1997.
• Vive la France! French Treasures from the Middle Ages to Monet. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1999-2000.
• Highlights from the Collection. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1998-2001.

Provenance Henry Walters, Baltimore, [date of acquisition unknown], by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

Credit Acquired by Henry Walters