I thought I'd leave it for a couple of days to see what people say on the french forum and got some strong opinions and more or less heated debates but anyway, basically there's a mythological signification and a religious one. One of your pieces has gurnards but the other ones represent dolphins.
The Greek-Romans used the dolphin in a lot of representations and stayed more or less realistic in its ressemblance. It's been mentioned that in this period it was considered as a symbol for the sea and free commerce. In the renaissance period though, artists would let their fantasy go a bit OTT, by illustrating 'beasts' with out of proportion, often dog-shaped, heads, an overly large mouth full of teeth and threatening eyes.
You can also find the dolphin illustrated related to wine, and then it is symbolic for the legend of Bacchus, who threatened to change nasty fishermen into dolphins.
In Christianity there are several options. A symbol for resurrection and protection. Christ but also the apostles can be represented by a dolphin as they are both considered to be saviours of people. In numerous catacombes representations of dolphins can be found on a cross, anchor or trident as the image of Christ on the cross had not been established yet. It can also stand for being a good Christian as dolphins are considered to be pure and intelligent, and therefor close to people.
That's about it, if anything else comes up i'll let you know.
Topic: Dolphin footed or Gurnard footed toothpick holder (Read 1629 times)
