17th Century, Cherubini

17th century

Cherubs

Marble, 26 x 24 x 8 cm

This pair of white marble sculptures, dating from the 18th century, represents a fine example of late Baroque or Baroque sculpture, typical of the sculptural works intended for liturgical furnishings or monumental decoration in Europe. The composition is symmetrical, designed for symmetrical placement. This suggests that the pieces were originally intended to adorn the spandrels of an altar, the top of a marble cornice, or the sides of a tabernacle. The modeling of the faces follows the canonical features of idealized childhood: full, firm cheeks that accentuate the stone’s natural chiaroscuro; deep-set eyes with heavy eyelids and barely visible pupils, conveying a pensive and spiritual gaze; small, full lips, closed in an expression of composed serenity. One of the most significant aspects is the virtuosic treatment of the various textures. The sculptor creates a sharp contrast between the flesh—carefully polished to achieve a silky finish that simulates the softness of a child’s skin— and the hair—characterized by composed yet dynamic curls, deeply carved with a drill to create strong contrasts of shadow, typical of Baroque sensibility—and the plumage. The wings, in fact, feature a regular arrangement of feathers, with an almost calligraphic attention to detail in defining the individual barbs, lending rhythm to the lateral structure. The back is left rough or cleanly cut, confirming that the sculptures were once mounted against a wall or integrated into a larger masonry structure.

The work stands out for the balance between the solid volume of the stone and the lightness of the subject. While the cherubs follow traditional iconography, the quality of the carving and their formal grace elevate them above the mass-produced works of the era, revealing an expert hand capable of infusing psychological vitality and warmth into the cold marble.