Collection

Parrot, c. A.D. 400

Roman


In Early Christian churches, mosaics with bird and animal motifs set in geometric borders were commonly used as pavement decoration and often carried symbolic meaning. This image of a parrot may symbolize the virginal motherhood of Mary; in antiquity, the parrot was considered a miracle of nature because of his ability to imitate and reproduce human speech.

Provenance

Provenance

(Elie Borowski [1913-2003], Basel, Switzerland);

purchased by Kimbell Art Foundation, Fort Worth, 1972.