Not currently on display at the V&A

Figure of an angel

Figure
late 15th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This casting is of a kneeling figure of an angel with tightly curled hair, holding a shield rather awkwardly in both hands. The shield is triangular with a chamfered edge retaining traces of gilding, enamelled with a coat of arms and hollowed out at the back. It is possible that this figure was once part of a church chandelier.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleFigure of an angel (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Bronze, with champlevé enamel
Brief description
Angel, probably from a chandelier, copper alloy, Flemish, 1475-1500, the enamelled shield partly gilded and probably a later fake.
Physical description
Kneeling figure of an angel with tightly curled hair, holding awkwardly in both hands a shield. The shield is triangular with a chamfered edge retaining traces of gilding, enamelled with the arms; Gules a castle Gold, and hollowed out at the back.
Dimensions
  • Top of head to base; maximum height: 18cm
  • Across arms; maximum width: 6.6cm
  • Front to back, across hands to feet (maximum) depth: 8.5cm
Credit line
Given by Dr W. L. Hildburgh
Object history
Historical significance: This is a very curious piece. The position of the hands holding the shield is awkward and the presence of gilding, heavily worn on the sides of the shield which would be protected somewhat in its present position points to this being from an earlier piece. This is borne out by the style of the shield, the outline being closest to 13th century examples such as the tiles in the Chapter House at Westminster Abbey and the drawing of the castle is also consistent with this.
The arms are those of Castille and must date from the 13th century, probably an allusion to the marriage of Louis VIII to Blanche of Castille.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This casting is of a kneeling figure of an angel with tightly curled hair, holding a shield rather awkwardly in both hands. The shield is triangular with a chamfered edge retaining traces of gilding, enamelled with a coat of arms and hollowed out at the back. It is possible that this figure was once part of a church chandelier.
Collection
Accession number
M.41-1953

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Record createdFebruary 9, 2004
Record URL
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