Allegorical Figure of Peace c. 1780

This Allegorical Figure of Peace was crafted in the Sèvres Porcelain Factory, embodying ideals in tangible form. The central motif is the dove, nestled gently in the figure’s hands, an emblem of peace stretching back to ancient Mesopotamia, where it symbolized Inanna, the goddess of love and war. Consider how the dove appears in the biblical story of Noah, returning with an olive branch to signal the end of the flood, or its depiction in Renaissance paintings, where it accompanies Venus, the goddess of love. Over time, the dove has flown through diverse cultural skies, transforming with each journey yet consistently carrying its message of harmony. The act of cradling the dove speaks to a collective desire for tranquility, tapping into our shared, subconscious yearning for an end to conflict and a return to serenity. The gentle composition is not merely aesthetic; it is a powerful force, engaging us on a level that transcends conscious thought. This symbol, like many, has a non-linear progression, resurfacing, evolving, and taking on new meanings in different historical contexts.