18th Century Marble Pair of Winged Putti Heads

18th Century
Pair of Winged Putti Heads
(2) Marble, 26 x 24 x 8 cm

This pair of white marble sculptures, dating back to the 18th century, represents a fine example of Late Baroque or Baroque sculpture, typical of the plastic production intended for liturgical furnishings or monumental decoration in Europe. The composition is mirrored, designed for symmetrical placement. This suggests that the pieces were originally intended to adorn the spandrels of an altar, the cresting of a marble frame, or the sides of a tabernacle.

The modeling of the faces follows the canonical features of idealized childhood: full, firm cheeks that accentuate the natural chiaroscuro of the stone; deep-set eyes with heavy eyelids and subtly incised pupils, conveying an absorbed and spiritual gaze; small, plump mouths set in an expression of composed serenity. One of the most significant aspects is the virtuosic treatment of the different textures. The sculptor creates a sharp contrast between the flesh—carefully polished to achieve a silky finish that simulates the softness of infantile skin—and the hair, characterized by composed yet dynamic curls, deeply carved with a drill to create strong shadow contrasts typical of the Baroque sensibility, as well as the plumage. Indeed, the wings feature a regular arrangement of feathers, with an almost calligraphic precision in defining the individual feather blades, giving rhythm to the lateral structure. The reverse is left rough or cleanly cut, confirming that the sculptures were once mounted against a wall or integrated into a larger masonry structure.

The work is distinguished by the balance between the solid volume of the stone and the lightness of the subject. While the cherubs follow a traditional iconography, the quality of the carving and formal grace elevate them above the mass production of the era, revealing an expert hand capable of imbuing psychological vitality and warmth into cold marble.