Sculpture of a pair of polychrome ceroferia angels – circa 1500

The ceroferia is the candle bearer, symbolizing the light brought by Christ. There are usually two of them and they lead the processions, preceded or followed by the thurifer (the one who carries the incense). The ceroferia surround the deacon or priest during the Gospel reading.
Our pair of ceroferia angels is carved in the round on oak and polychrome.
The angels are depicted standing in a certain hieratic attitude that emphasizes the solemn nature of their role as "altar servers." They carry the torch in both hands and their faces are tenderly turned toward each other.
They are dressed in the deacon's cope, secured to their chests by a goldsmith clasp. The faces, with their broad foreheads and prominent cheekbones, display features of a sensitive gentleness enhanced by a kind smile. The eyes are slightly slanted, open in one case and closed in a sign of contemplation in the other.
The soft curls of the hair, held in place by a fine brocaded band, and the cascading folds of the clothing, both straight and broken, allow us to link these lovely sculptures to French production from the very beginning of the 16th century, or even the end of the 15th century.

Dimensions (without base)
H. 59 cm x W. 18 cm x D. 13 cm
Height of base : 10 cm

France
Original polychromy
Circa 1500
Later walnut bases