The Dove as a Symbol of Peace
by Julie Z. Russo
Throughout time and cultures the dove serves as a symbol of peace delivering the message of hope. The dove returning with an olive branch to Noah’s ship is a symbol of new life in a new land after a flood. In mystical Judaism, the dove is symbolic of the soul to be returned to earth as the Messiah. A dove is depicted flying over the baptism of Jesus in a 13th century Italian painting by Pierro della Francesca symbolic of the holy spirit.
In times of strife and recovery whether from an illness, the loss of a loved one or one’s home, the dove returns to offer reconciliation. Contemporary Raleigh artist Delphine Peller’s dove paintings were created with modern conflicts in mind and offered as a prayer for healing. “Peace, Shalom, Salam,” depicts three interfaith doves in the palm of God; “Hope over the Horizon” portrays a dove soaring above a Middle Eastern skyline declaring calm replace war; and drawing inspiration from the psalms, Ms. Peller created a collage of doves and the words “Seek Peace and Pursue It.”
The dove flies on banners at the Olympics, in advertisements, and as Israel’s national symbol. The Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks, and Romans all had the dove as a symbol of innocence, long life, love, devotion, and friendship. Pablo Picasso’s elegant “Colombe” was created for his father with the motto “I stand for life against death. I stand for peace against war.”
Receiving a message from a dove this holiday season, we are asked to replace anger with forgiveness, to return to health after sickness, and to welcome the dove in place of the hawk.
Ms. Peller’s artwork has served as a salve this year to counter school violence and child abductions. She turned to art when facing a chronic illness, her antidote for pain became a passion, and now she practices art full time with her work held in private collections and exhibited at the Sunflower Studio & Gallery in Wake Forest. She creates her collages in layers combining three or four paintings to give the surface a slightly gritty texture. Ms. Peller also enjoys painting landscapes and still-lifes.
“Usually when I paint a dove, it’s a nice kind of universal symbol, “ said Ms. Peller. “It allows me to be creative and imaginative, and everyone can relate.”
For the Article: Coming Home, mixed media and acrylic, 2014 by Delphine Peller.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season.
Sincerely,
Julie Z. Russo
publisher, City Serene
