In antiquity the dove was one of the animals sacred to Aphrodite, goddess of love, passion and beauty. Doves stood proverbally for love and gentleness as well as gullability; and they were given as a token of love. Pearls, too, were dedicated to Aphrodite and they were highly prized in ancient Rome, where they were best known as status symbols. The subject matter of doves carrying a necklet of pearls well combines associations with love, beauty and wealth.