Two Angels and Cherubs Bearing an Icon of Christ Italy, Rome, 17th century

Two Angels and Cherubs Bearing an Icon of Christ

c. 1670–1680

probably by Paolo Naldini

(Italian, 1616–1691)

Italy, Rome, 17th century

terracotta

Overall: 41.9 x 41.9 x 15.3 cm (16 1/2 x 16 1/2 x 6 in.)

Sundry Purchase Fund 1971.230

Location: 301 Baroque Sculpture Mezzanine

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Description

This work is probably a study for a large altarpiece that would have combined several materials, including marble, stucco, and paint. The artist modeled his design in soft clay, which was then hardened by firing; subtle tints suggest the richness of the finished work. The idea of using sculptural figures to support a painted image within an altarpiece was influenced by the work of the Roman sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598–1680), with whom Naldini is known to have worked.