South Netherlandish Master - Angel SOLD
South Netherlandish, possibly Antwerp
Baroque, ca. 1700
Angel
Limewood, carved in full round
H. 110 cm.
Provenance
Private collection, the Netherlands
This impressive pair of Angels can be dated around 1700 and was most likely produced in Antwerp. The grieving expression of the sculptures supports the assumption that the group was made for a Passion Altar. In addition, the right Angel appears to hold a nail in his hand, which traditionally belongs to the ‘Arma Christi’, the symbols of the Passion of Christ. The second Angel has lost his attribute, that was probably placed on his knee.
Both Angels are depicted wearing long albs running down in heavy monumental folds.
Though stylistically this group is an example of Baroque sculpture, it also shows influences of Italian Classicism. Especially the physiognomy of the right Angel is clearly based on the Aesthetic Ideals of Italian Classicism. Notable are the individual faces, the detailed strings of hair and the draperies that curl around the base.
