Pair of angels; Spain, 18th century.

Pair of angels; Spain, 18th century.
Carved, gilded, and polychrome wood.
Measurements: 38 x 28 x 18 cm.
A pair of carved wooden angel figures, with traces of gilding and polychrome paint, depicted in dynamic poses as if in flight. Both angels have childlike bodies with anatomically accurate, naturalistic features, expressive faces, and curly hair; with their arms raised and wings spread, they create a strong sense of movement and lightness.
The composition reflects the Spanish Baroque sculptural tradition’s preference for celestial figures with a dynamic and theatrical character, intended to visually enrich religious ensembles. The arrangement of the bodies, the outstretched limbs, and the movement of the drapery on one of the figures accentuate the dynamism of the pair and evoke the supernatural dimension of sacred scenes.