18th Century French Carved Sculpture of a Flying Cherub

Details

Description

Lightweight and intricately carved, this sculpture depicts a small, winged cherub flying through wispy clouds. The sculpture was hand-carved in … Read more Lightweight and intricately carved, this sculpture depicts a small, winged cherub flying through wispy clouds. The sculpture was hand-carved in France during the 1700’s. The cherub was probably originally part of a larger architectural or even an altar piece.

The cherub is surrounded by circular clouds that cover him from the waist down, with only the top of the back foot visible. According to some religious scholars, clouds are to be view as the presence of God. The cherub’s arms are outstretched, indicating that he could have originally been holding an item. Our cherub has curly hair and stereotypical plump cheeks, with an attentive gaze pointed up and to his left. The wood has a warm, light coloration similar to limewood, yet it is likely carved softwood (pine). There are two eyelets on the back for easy hanging. See less