Carved And Polychrome Wood Sculpture – Putto / Curtain-holding Angel – Late 17th Century, Early 18th Century

Carved and Polychrome Wood Sculpture – Putto / Curtain-Holding Angel – late 17th, early 18th century

A charming and vigorous antique sculpture in carved, lacquered, and polychrome wood, depicting a putto (or cherub) in a dynamic, floating pose.

The work, presumably conceived originally as an architectural decorative element, a piece of period furniture, or a refined curtain rod, stands out for the remarkable expressive power of the face and the plasticity of the body.

The cherub’s anatomy is rendered with full, generous forms, typical of the Baroque and late Baroque styles.

The face is characterized by pronounced cheeks, lips delicately painted red, and an intense gaze turned to the side.

The hair is sculpted into large, dark, well-defined curls.

The figure is partially draped in a gilded leaf-patterned drapery, carved with deep, angular folds that create a striking interplay of light and shadow.

The polychrome skin tones, with their warm and natural hues, enhance the sculpture’s three-dimensionality.

A piece of great character and visual impact, perfect for collectors of period art or as a striking decorative element in both classical and contemporary settings.

Technical Specifications


* Subject: Putto / Cupid holding a curtain
* Material: Carved wood, lacquered, polychrome, and gilded with gold leaf
* Period: Dated between the 17th and 18th centuries (Baroque / Late Baroque)
* Dimensions: 63 x 35 cm - depth 26 cm
* Condition: Good overall condition, consistent with the object’s period. Fingers missing (see detailed photos). The wooden structure is solid; the surface features a splendid antique patina, small areas of color loss, and signs of age that do not compromise its value but enhance its historical charm.