Figure of an Angel

The development of the sculptural art in Galicia in the 18th century was characterized not only by an increase in the number of artistic works but also in their quality. The artists from Western and Central Europe played an important role in the spread of Baroque sculpture in Western Ukraine. The sculptors mastered a profession in their home country; sometimes they studied in Central European countries, mostly in the Czech Republic. In written sources, the following names of the artists who worked in Ukraine since the 1720s are mentioned: Sebastian Fesinger, Johann Georg Pinsel, Georg Marquard, Maciej Polejowski, Antoni Osinski, and others. Due to the destruction of many sacred artworks of the 18th century, it is almost impossible to identify the works by most of the above-mentioned artists. The Baroque sculptures, which were performed under the influence of the Rococo style, have elongated body proportions. There is a lot of dynamism in the poses and movements of the figures. A contrast is the basis of the composition. A face with sharp contours reveals a person's mood and feelings. To enhance the naturalism of the image, a wooden sculpture is painted. The full-length figure of an angel, which was located in the central altar of the church in Lopatyn, is depicted with his left hand raised. Using smooth lines, the sculptor carved the elongated body anatomically correctly, making the lower part of the figure heavier than the upper one. The master skilfully conveyed the angel's facial features, namely a round face with arched eyebrows over the half-closed almond-shaped eyes, a small nose, a slight smile on the lips, and a distinct chin. There are locks of curly hair on his head. The angel's short neck turns into a plump body. The hips of the angel are wrapped with a drapery in the dynamic folds made in the manner typical of the Lviv school of sculpture.

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery