Pair of cherubs; Spanish School, 17th century

Pair of cherubs; Spanish School, 17th century
Carved and gilded wood
The polychrome paint shows signs of wear and loss
Measurements: 17 x 14 x 9 cm.

Pair of winged cherub heads, entirely gilded, designed as decorative appliqué elements, probably from an altarpiece. Both conform to the typical iconographic style of these ornaments: a childlike face from which a pair of outstretched wings emerge directly on either side. Unlike other similar examples with polychrome skin tones, these two heads retain a uniform gilding across their entire surface.

This is a decorative motif with a long tradition in Spanish Baroque religious sculpture, used as an appliqué element on altarpieces, canopies, and other liturgical furnishings as a reference to the angelic hierarchies.