Offered by Antiquités Olivier Alberteau
General antiques dealer in Nantes
A pair of candle-bearing angels, carved in polychrome and gilded wood (linden?).
Exquisitely crafted and exquisitely detailed, this pair of angels remains in remarkably good original condition.
Standing on a turned and painted wooden base imitating marble, they held a candle holder or cornucopia, which could also hold a candle.
In a slightly contrapposto pose, with one leg gently bent backward, they seem to gaze at us, their wings outstretched but held back. The tunics cling to their bodies, accentuating the majesty and serenity of the sculptures.
Their faces, imbued with gentleness and a certain youthfulness, reinforce this majesty with thick, tightly curled hair, crowned by an imposing garland of flowers.
Work from the early 17th century.
Very fine state of preservation. Minor losses and wear to the original polychromy and gilding; later bases.
Total heights: 53 and 55 cm
