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, loving God above all else and one’s neighbor as oneself. The elegantly dressed woman (see the second photo showing the reverse side) standsbehind her companion and embraces him tenderly. True love triumphs.

Faith, hope, and love are the three theological virtuesof 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: To desire and await eternal life as well as God’s help. Love (Charity): To love God above all else and one’s neighbor as oneself.

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