Adoring Angel

Artist Unknown

Datecirca 1735–1760

MediumWood, polychrome, and gold leaf

Dimensions41 1/4 x 31 in. (104.8 x 78.7 cm)

ClassificationsSculpture

Credit LineGift of the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation

Object numberG.62.18.1

On View

Not on view

Label Text
An adoring angel of the type seen here was often paired with a contemplative angel when flanking church tabernacles. These pairs were very popular in Germany and Austria during the Rococo period in the eighteenth century, and the decorative quality found in this work identifies it as coming from that stylistic era. The deeply cut folds, windswept hair, and turn to the body not only offer evidence of a sculptor of great ability, but they combine to give a sense of movement to the figure. This quality stands in contrast to the calm expression found in the angel’s face. Based on comparisons with other works of this type, it appears that the Adoring Angel was carved by a sculptor active in the south German region of Bavaria.Published ReferencesIntroduction to the Collections, rev. ed. (Raleigh: North Carolina Museum of Art, 1992), illus (b-w) 153.

"Acquisitions," North Carolina Museum of Art Bulletin 4, nos. 2 & 3 (Winter-Spring 1964), listed 60, illus. (color) front cover.

Larry Wheeler, "From the Director," in North Carolina Museum of Art Preview (Spring 2012), noted 5, illus. (color) 4.
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