Object Description
A 19th century marble putto sculpture, signed ‘D’Angelis’
French, Late 19th Century
Height 54cm, width 41m, depth 31cm
Executed with great artistic skill and fluency, this exceptional small marble sculpture depicts a small child, or putto or cherub, grasping a handful of grapes and recoiling from the presence of a large bird at his feet. A playful and charming piece, the boy shrinks back to his right while the bird stretches its wings and steps forward. The carving of the child’s hair, the concerned yet spirited expression on his face, and the wings of the bird in particular, are all executed with great finesse. The marble is brought to a high level of finish, yet signs of the fluency and skill of the craftsman are still very much evident. The piece is signed ‘D’Angelis’ towards the base.