Tobias and Sara on their Wedding Night, ca 1520

The Book of Tobias recounts the story of the pious aged Tobit and how his son, Tobias, with the aid of the archangel Raphael, was able to restore his father's health and wealth. The archangel Raphael, in disguise, leads Tobias to the lands of his kinsman Raguel. Raguel gives his daughter Sara in marriage to Tobias but warns him that Sara's seven previous husbands had all been devoured by demons on the wedding night. With Raphael's aid, Tobias prepares a potion, the smell of which drives the demons out. He and Sara are able then to successfully consummate their marriage. The dog sleeping on their bed belonged to Tobias and accompanied him and Raphael on their journey. In this context he may also symbolize marital love and fidelity. Made in Germany, probably Lower Rhine area, maybe Cologne.