Lot 164B
Latin America, Mexico, ca. 20th century CE. A tender and nostalgic pair of reclining cherubs, each delicately carved from wood and hand-painted in warm tones of apricot, ochre, and gold with gleaming glass eyes. Created in Mexico during the 20th century, these angelic figures evoke the charm and theatricality of colonial church decor while speaking to the enduring appeal of devotional folk art. Each nude cherub is posed in a languid position - one with knees tucked beneath its belly and chin resting gently on folded hands, the other with legs lifted playfully behind and torso propped upright on bent arms. Their serene faces are sweetly modeled with softly rounded features, expressive painted lips, and large inset glass eyes that gleam with lifelike presence. Richly feathered wooden wings with a coppered finish rise from their shoulders, curving in sculptural arcs that lend the pair a graceful sense of motion. Size (both about the same): 13.5" L x 4.8" W x 8" H (34.3 cm x 12.2 cm x 20.3 cm)
Whether displayed in a niche, nestled among nativity figures, or elevated as stand-alone objects of spiritual charm, these figures conjure a world of baroque innocence and artisanal care. Together, they form a radiant tableau of celestial repose - angelic guardians of light, childhood, and the enduring artistry of Mexican religious craft.
Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection, acquired in the 1960's
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#195717
- Condition: Stable hairline fissure near eye of one. Both have expected nicks, scratches, and abrasions, but are otherwise intact and very nice with good remaining pigments and great preservation of glass eyes.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |