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Day and Night - Jugate Compositions

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A popular, frequently very beautiful cameo composition shows both figures together, juxtaposed one behind the other, in a jugate arrangement.  While Day is virtually always in the foreground, with Night snoozing behind, carvers made various decisions as to which other of the traditional elements to include.  Space available and the carver's degree of skill no doubt played a part in these choices.  Some included both birds:  Click on photos to enlarge.  

Some only one:  Click on photos to enlarge.


Cameos with only one diurnal bird may feature either a dove-like creature or one that is clearly an eagle, sometimes even one bearing the thunderbolts of Zeus, rather than the cornucopia of morning flowers borne by its more peaceable cousin.

The occasional maverick did give the owl pride of place.

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 Instead of a bird, Day may have the Genius of Light, a small Cupid-like figure bearing a torch, to accompany her.  The little imp appears in a variety of poses.  Click on photos to enlarge.