Central European school, ca. 1400.

Central European school, ca. 1400.
Angel bust.
Carved wood.
It has xylophagous damage on the back.
Measurements: 41 x 37 x 20 cm.

Bust carved in wood representing a smiling angel. The long neck, the almond-shaped eyes and the straight nose form a serene and elegant oval, framed by symmetrically distributed corkscrews to each side. The piece denotes a workmanship characteristic of late Central European Gothic. Similar examples can be found in contemporary French and Flemish sculpture, in which the figures begin to become independent of the architectural frame and become more naturalistic. At the turn of the century, between the 13th and 14th centuries, the elongated proportions and idealized faces reflect spiritual beauty. This is perfectly reflected in this high quality carving.

The round sculptures begin to become more and more independent from the walls and to become more and more autonomous. Those attached to the columns and mullions become more slender and dynamic. Those of the west portico (the so-called royal) of the cathedral of Chartres (around 1145) are considered the earliest example of Gothic, and represented a revolution in style and a model for generations of sculptors, most of whom seem to have come from the Burgundy region. The influence of classical models is evident in the treatment of the folds of the tunics as in the group of the Visitation of the cathedral of Reims. The angels of Reims are life-size. They hold musical instruments, scrolls of parchment and crowns. Their faces are serene and smiling.