This amazing parcel paint and gilt statue was hand-carved in the late 1600s during the Baroque period. Originally an architectural in a church in southeastern France, the statue has been carved as a life-sized interpretation of an angel. The scale of the angel is impressive, but what makes it impeccable is the balance of the figure: the statue was designed to hang with artistic precision and does not pitch forward or roll side-to-side.

Our angel is clad in an ankle-length gown with gilded trim around the torso and the right leg. The material flows gracefully, hanging loosely off the left shoulder. There is also a split in fabric above the right knee, held in place by a gilded quatrefoil pin. The left leg is tucked back, completely enveloped by the gown.

Although both arms have been lost near the elbow, the left arm is raised upwards, while the right one crosses in front of the abdomen. The positioning of the arms indicates that the angel might have originally held a tasseled lamp. Remnants of a pair of wings (also lost) can be seen on the angel’s back, once held in place by the exposed nails. The back has been left unfinished, meaning the angel would have been attached in front of a wall.

The beautiful 17th century life-sized angel statue has a serene expression on his face, and is still impressive despite its losses. It can still be incorporated into architectural plans, or hung as a stunning work of art. There are three eyelets installed in the back for hanging purposes. We recommend using all three eyelets to ensure stability of the statue.

CONDITION: Wear commensurate to age and use, with traces of old wood worm and light age separations. Paint losses and craquelure as seen in photos.  Wings long lost. Rigged in the back for hanging by three large metal eyelets (all three are antique, but the middle eyelet is significantly older).