Sculpture, Antichi cherubini, circa 1800 - 115 cm - Gilt wood

PAIR OF ANCIENT WINGED CHILD PUTTI IN GOLDEN WOOD WITH GOLD LEAF AND ELEVATED WOOD COLUMNS – IMPORTANT ITALIAN MANUFACTURE

Rare and scenographic pair of large winged putti, 115 cm tall including the column, 40 cm wide, carved and gilded wood, each portrayed seated on an elegant architectural column element, conceived as rare sculptures and characterized by a strong visual scenographic quality and an imposing decorative presence.

The two figures, modeled with notable attention to anatomical accuracy and infant expressiveness, feature large finely carved wings, hair treated in wavy locks, drapery at the hips, and differentiated gestures, giving the pair a refined theatrical and dynamic character.

The putti rest on elaborate capitals and turned balustrades with gold leaf finish that continue into tall cylindrical columns in gilded wood, ending with important modanated bases and square pedestals.

The surface preserves a suggestive antique gilding, with abrasions, craquelure, small losses and chromatic variations typical of a very old decorative artifact used historically.

These features contribute to the material quality of the ensemble and underline its authentic character.

Historical-artistic framing

Due to stylistic and decorative characteristics, the group can be preliminarily placed within the realm of Italian Baroque wood sculpture, with a possible dating between the late 18th and 19th centuries.

The presence of the putti on notably tall columns also makes the whole especially interesting from the standpoint of ecclesiastical furnishing and grand interior decoration: works of this kind could have been conceived for scenographic ensembles, altars, chapels, noble palaces, or important settings of representation.

The monumental scale, the rarity of the pendant composition, the quality of the carving, and the preservation of the antique gilding confer to the pair a strong collecting and decorative value.

An ensemble of this type is particularly suitable for high-end private collections, historic houses, important residences, and prestigious interior design projects, where it can be presented as a sculpture of great impact.

Provenance: private collection
Era: to be verified, preliminarily 18th–19th century
Material: carved, sculpted, and gilded wood
Subject: pair of winged putti and wooden uppers, 115 cm
Condition: shows signs, abrasions, losses, and alterations of the gilding consistent with age and the conservation history of the artifact
Attribution: Italian scope, Italian school
Ancient restorations present, various repairs, re-gilding, re-gluing, gold losses, signs of time, objects very aged.