Head of an Angel (Putta), gilded linden wood, Poland, 1st half of the 18th century.

Baroque carving depicting the head of a winged angel (putto). The object, dated to the first half of the 18th century, is an excellent example of ancient sacred woodcarving. The styling of the “puckered” face, the deeply carved, almost graphic curls and the way the wings are worked out are very similar to the works of prominent Silesian sculptors, such as Johann Georg Urbansky and the workshop of Matthäus Knote. The sculpture is slightly curved, which means that it was designed to be mounted on a rounded structure, such as an altar column, cornice or the curve of an organ prospectus. The number “6” engraved on the back is a typical mounting mark. This confirms that the angel was part of a large, multi-element work, at which craftsmen numbered the parts to know where to mount them. A sculpture of high workshop qualities, dated 1720-1740, it represents the North Central European Baroque trend, showing features characteristic of the borderlands of Silesia and Malopolska. Preserved in original condition. Visible natural patina of time, losses of wood on the wings and paint layer and gilding, which add to the sculpture’s character and confirm its age. The wood is sound, with traces of old woodcarving tools visible.