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German (Cologne)
Standing figure of an angel
c. 1450
Oak with original pigment
(Stock no 8687)
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This rare carved oak figure would originally have been one of a pair, most probably carved as altar angels. Usually such figures are depicted as kneeling holding a candleholder, but our angel holds a ‘carved’ image of a lit candle, which could be interpreted as meaning an angel of the Annunciation.
The elongation of the figure is particularly pleasing, as is the tilted head, and of course the remaining original painted surface. We have always made it a rule that no area of the sculpture surface should be repainted or restored: we advocate conservation not restoration.
