The Attarouthi Treasure - Silver Dove

500–650
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 300
The dove, with wings spread and feet tucked up as if in flight, represents the Holy Spirit that appeared over the head of Christ as he was baptized by Saint John the Forerunner (John 1:32). Early authors mention the presence of doves over altars in churches from Constantinople to Tours in France. This is the earliest known example of the type. Originally a small cross hung from the loop in its beak.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: The Attarouthi Treasure - Silver Dove
  • Date: 500–650
  • Geography: Made in Attarouthi, Syria
  • Culture: Byzantine
  • Medium: Silver
  • Dimensions: Overall (with wings): 3 5/8 x 6 1/4 x 2 11/16 in. (9.2 x 15.8 x 6.8 cm)
    Overall (Body only): 2 7/16 x 2 7/16 x 6 1/4 in. (6.2 x 6.2 x 15.8 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork-Silver
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Rogers Fund and Henry J. and Drue E. Heinz Foundation, Norbert Schimmel, and Lila Acheson Wallace Gifts, 1986
  • Object Number: 1986.3.15
  • Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

More Artwork

Research Resources

The Met provides unparalleled resources for research and welcomes an international community of students and scholars. The Met's Open Access API is where creators and researchers can connect to the The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.

To request images under copyright and other restrictions, please use this Image Request form.

Feedback

We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.