Solid silver Dove of the Holy Spirit, Southern Italy, 18th-19th century

Dove weight: 90 gr. Weight with base: 318 gr.

The figure of the Dove of the Holy Spirit is linked to concepts of spirituality, sacredness and protection. In this case, it is depicted with outstretched wings, as a sign that it is coming upon the figure of the person accompanying it, suggesting peace and divine protection. Moreover, the Dove is depicted with a triangular-shaped halo, which in Christian iconography would be a further identifying symbol of the Trinity.
Apparently not hallmarked.

Placed on a marble plinth bearing an ex libris with a heraldic coat of arms with the motto ‘Vexatus persequor’ and below it a label with the inscription ‘NAP - SEC XVII - 17 mo SEC.

Height x width x depth dove: 9 x 11 x 3.5 cm.

Height x width x depth base: 8.5 x 3.5 x 3 cm.

Literature:
A similar heraldic coat of arms with the same motto can be found in ‘Manuali Hoepli - Jacopo Gelli - 3500 Ex Libris Italiani’, Milan Ulrico Hoepli 1908.
The ex libris is described as follows: CORRENTI Cesare (Milano) Azure to a deer chased by a dog of.... both running on the natural grassy plain surmounted on the right by three ill-ordered silver stars. The shield is surmounted by a helmet placed in profile to the right and adorned with three ostrich feathers below in a ribbon the motto: Vexatus persequor^ and below: Cesare Correnti. At the side of the coat of arms: N.,.. Scaff.... Floor,,. - Inc. in wood 25 X 42. Circa 1870.