The Dove

            
             Throughout the history of artistic expression, artists have often used specific objects as a way of expressing a feeling, or aiding to portray a theme in a work of art. These objects serve not as a focal point of a piece of art, but as a subtle accent to the emotions being conveyed. In the world of art appreciation, these objects are better know as "icons." Icons can best be defined as an object that has some sort of symbolic significance (Symbols 1). .
             Many works of art have a religious theme. Within these works there are quite a few icons that appear in multiple pieces of work. These icons help explain the often complicated stories that can arise from religious works. An icon can help a person who has little knowledge of religion understand an artistic work, by giving them a gateway into the theory that has driven the artist to complete the piece. Although the viewer may not completely understand the story behind the piece, he or she can get a feeling for the emotional expressions of the work of art, and can thereby appreciate the piece with an open mind.
             Of the many icons, I have chosen the Dove as my point of interest. In Christian art, the dove is seen as a symbol of the Holy Spirit. The Dove is taken from the story of Jesus' baptism, where the Spirit descended on him in the form of a dove. Two types of iconographical Doves can be seen in religious pieces. A Dove that has a three-rayed nimbus around its head signifies the Spirit as a member of the Trinity. A dove that is shown without the nimbus is considered a symbol of peace (Symbols 1). .
             In this paper, I will focus on the Dove without the nimbus, being seen as a symbol of peace. I will point out the significance of the Dove as seen in the work of art entitled, "Annunciation." Completed in 1291 by Pietro Cavallini, Annunciation was a mosaic that was a part of seven representations that demonstrate the transition from the Byzantine period, to the 14th century.