Antique Continental Carved Giltwood Feeder Pelican Altarpiece

19th century or earlier, carved wood with gesso and gilt, unsigned, this figuration is a symbol of the Eucharist, Christ's crucifixion, and paternal love, which was regularly featured on Medieval altarpieces and the facades of tabernacles, depicting a pelican with wings outstretched, feeding its offspring with blood from its chest.

Approximately 17 1/2 x 19 1/2 x 5 in.

From a Private Collection, Washington, D.C.

Good estate condition; some small chips and rubbing to gilt, with some areas of later gilt; some scattered hairlines and old insect damage.