Feeder Pelican - Early 17th Century

A touching allegory of the Eucharist, this nurturing Pelican.
Symbol of Christ, it often sits on the canopies of altarpieces and is regularly represented on the facades of tabernacles.
Polychrome gilded carved wooden subject stylizing a pelican with outstretched wings and opening its chest with its beak. a late 16th or early 17th century work.
The pelican symbolizes paternal love, the bird here piercing its chest with its beak in order to feed its young with its flesh and blood and by extension it represents Christic love.
Dimensions of 43 cm by 50.
Good condition but note small gaps and wear - added base.