Gilded Wooden Cherub, Roman Baroque, 17th Century

A splendid and imposing sculpture in finely carved wood, depicting the head of a winged cherub (putto) flanked by a heraldic shield—a superb example of 17th-century Roman Baroque decorative sculpture.
The putto’s face, characterized by proud features and the full cheeks typical of Bernini’s sculpture, is framed by a head of hair with vigorous, deeply carved curls. The outstretched wings envelop the composition with dense, dynamic plumage, designed to create strong contrasts of light and shadow. An element of great interest to collectors and as a decorative piece is the contoured heraldic shield on the side, which bears an engraved monogram with the capital letter “A,” likely a reference to the noble patron who commissioned the work.
The object is structurally sound, and the carving has retained all of its original expressive power. The surface was partially regilded at a later date, which has revived the original splendor of the gold leaf while preserving a charming dark patina in the deepest recesses—perfect for highlighting the three-dimensionality of the details.
Condition as shown in the photos.
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