Pair of Ivory Nativity Angels

Nativity Angels

Late 18th or early 19th Century

FILIPINO

Pair of angels with ivory head, hands and feet. Gold gilding on hair (a very typical Philippine artistic feature) still extant. Traces of polychromy.

 

A very rare pair of ivory Angels. Ivory heads, hands and feet mounted on wooden, mannequin bodies. Possibly used in a Nativity setting. The wooden bodies are arched in a manner to suggest that they may have been suspended at one time.

 

The hair on both angels are carved in tight curls and gilded, a very typical Philippine artistic treatment. The eyes are heavy lidded and noses flattish and slightly flared. Traces of polychromy around the face particularly around the eyes (a reddish-brown color seems to outline the eyes). The hands are exquisitely carved and most expressive. The feet are shown shod in sandals.

 

Condition is very good for its age. The gold-embroidered fabric is still in very good condition. Some small losses and chips are present but not significant.

Height: 21.5 cm. or 8.6 in.

 

 

 

Done