Pelican and its young

Soft wood (bass wood)
Low-Lands / Flemish, 18th century

In the Christian religion, the Pelican was believed to have pecked on its own flesh to feed it to its starving chicks so they don't die of hunger. This became a symbol for Christ because he feeds us with his body and blood in the Eucharist.

H 33 x W 21 x D 16 cm
H 13 x W 8 1/4 x D 6 1/3 inch