Pietro Melandri ceramica angel, Faenza The dove has been a symbol of peace and innocence for thousands of years in many different cultures. In Ancient Greek and Roman mythology, it was a symbol of love and the renewal of life and in ancient Japan, a dove carrying a sword symbolised the end of war. Doves were regarded as sacred animals, and many depictions appeared in art where they appeared with the goddess of love and friendship, particuarly for Aphrodite and Venus. The iconic dove stands for peace and harmony, inner tranquility, purity and spirit. Angels have been associated