Objets chrétiens (2) - Bois, Painted and golden - 20th

Pair of Antique Polychrome and Gilt Wooden Angel Wings – 18th/19th Century
Description
A striking pair of antique carved wooden angel wings, dating from the 18th–19th century.
The wings are finely carved in pronounced relief, with numerous individually rendered feathers. They retain extensive traces of their original blue, red, black and gilt polychrome decoration, creating a rich and highly decorative appearance.
The elaborate treatment of the feathers, together with the combination of gilding and blue polychromy, is characteristic of the tradition of Baroque and late-Baroque religious sculpture in Southern Europe. The precise origin is uncertain, but Spain is a possible attribution.
The reverse is largely left in the natural wood. It shows the original preparation of the surface, visible wood grain and several small old fixing holes, consistent with the wings having originally been attached to a larger sculptural figure, probably an angel or saint.
The surface has developed an attractive aged appearance, with natural wear, abrasions, losses to the gilding and polychrome decoration, and areas where the underlying wood is exposed. These variations contribute to the character of the piece.
The wings are now detached and offered as a pair of independent sculptural elements.
Period: 18th–19th century
Material: Carved wood, polychrome and gilding
Probable origin: Southern Europe, possibly Spain
Dimensions: approx. 38 × 10 cm each
Condition: Antique condition, with age-related wear, losses and abrasions. Please examine the photographs carefully.
An unusual pair with strong decorative presence, suitable for collectors of antique religious sculpture, polychrome wood and Baroque decorative arts.

Re-varnished on the back