AN IVORY FIGURE OF AN AFRICAN(?) AMOR

 

Flanders or South Germany, 17th century

On an oblong base, his head facing upwards, the ivory with a nice patina.

H. 17.3 cm

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Note:

This figure in ivory seems to be full of iconological meanings. With the bow and arrows it is an Amor but since the bow, the quiver of arrows and one single arrow are laying on the ground together with a shield, they may symbolize unsuccesfull or fended off love. The Amor playing with his penis and blowing a whirligig together may be symbols of the fickleness and transitoriness of love. The chain with cross around his neck is a Roman Catholic symbol and may point to a Catholic country of origin, perhaps South Germany or Flanders.