Post Medieval Gilt Winged Appliqué
17th-18th century AD. A gilt bronze appliqué comprising a central disc with facing male mask and band of curled hair, six surrounding wings in three pairs with feather detailing and holes for attachment. 31 grams, 19cm (7 1/2"). From the Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, formed since 1985; acquired from Red House Antiques Centre, circa 2003. The figure may represent the biblical 'cherub', one of a class of supernatural beings which directly attend to God according to Abrahamic religions. Cherubim are especially associated with winds and storms, which accounts for the multiple wings. In medieval Europe, cherubim became conflated with putti, hence their common depiction as naked winged babies.
Condition Report: Fine condition.
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17th-18th century AD. A gilt bronze appliqué comprising a central disc with facing male mask and band of curled hair, six surrounding wings in three pairs with feather detailing and holes for attachment. 31 grams, 19cm (7 1/2"). From the Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, formed since 1985; acquired from Red House Antiques Centre, circa 2003. The figure may represent the biblical 'cherub', one of a class of supernatural beings which directly attend to God according to Abrahamic religions. Cherubim are especially associated with winds and storms, which accounts for the multiple wings. In medieval Europe, cherubim became conflated with putti, hence their common depiction as naked winged babies.
Condition Report: Fine condition.