Baroque Angels From France in Carved Oak - a Pair

Description

These beautiful French Baroque angels are over 350 years old, having been hand-carved in oak circa 1670. Oak was the … more These beautiful French Baroque angels are over 350 years old, having been hand-carved in oak circa 1670. Oak was the predominate wood used for making furniture up through the 1700s. The beautifully grained wood is strong and sturdy, ensuring that pieces will last for centuries. Unfortunately, these same traits make oak rather difficult to carve, indicating that the highly detailed figures were carved by a skilled artist.

Both angels are depicted in an early stage of genuflecting, which is the lowering of the body by bending a knee. This is usually done during worship as a sign of respect to a sacrament or for praying. The two are preparing to lower their outside knees to the shaped and molded plinth. The angels’ long, flowing robes have been realistically represented with folds in the fabric as the material contour their bodies.

These statues were likely part of a larger installation. There are small holes in the bases and eyelets on the backs, indicating that the figures were probably attached to a wall and/or other carvings. They may have also had wings at one point. Today, these very old French carvings can be displayed on any table surface, or hung on a wall as decoration. They could also be re-purposed as a beautiful pair of lamps. less