Carved Knife Handle Depicting The Virtue Of “love,” 17th Century

A superb, finely carved knife handle depicting one of the three theological virtues—faith, hope, and love—: love, that is, to love God above all else and one’s neighbor as oneself.

The elegantly dressed woman (see the second photo showing theback) stands behind her husband and embraces him tenderly. True love triumphs. Faith, hope, and love are the three theological virtues of the Christian tradition; they are rooted in God and find their origin in the writings of the Apostle Paul. 

The three virtues

Faith: Believing in God and placing one’s trust in all that He has revealed.
Hope: Longing for and awaiting eternal life as wellas God’s help.
Love (Charity): To love God above all else and one’sneighbor as oneself.

Origin: Netherlands
Period: 17th century
Material: bone
Condition: very good. A small crack on one side; otherwise,excellent (see last photo).
Height: 8 cm (sculpture: 5.5 cm)