Figure of an Angel

This full-length, frontal sculpture presents the figure of an angel in a contrapposto pose, which lends the image a lively, natural rhythm. The silhouette is elongated and slender. The angel's head is slightly tilted forward and turned to the side, following the direction of the gaze. Expressive almond-shaped eyes beneath highly arched brows imbue the face with a look of sincere yet solemn wonder. The refined oval face with regular features is softly modelled with smooth lines. Thick curls of wavy hair cascade onto the shoulders in resilient locks. The deeply carved, voluminous tresses, with their vivid play of chiaroscuro, enhance the sculptural expressiveness of the figure. The craftsman paid particular attention to the garments. The angel's body is concealed beneath a long tunic with a large turned-down collar, belted under the breast. The folds of the fabric are sculpted with deep, sharp, and energetic lines. In the upper section, they are relatively calm and vertical with rounded creases. Towards the hem, the draperies diverge and break, forming powerful, voluminous masses with sharp contrasts of light and shadow. Due to this drapery, the clothing serves not merely as a covering for the body but as a vehicle for movement and emotion. The original polychrome coating is preserved fragmentarily; the artwork shows significant losses resulting from prolonged use within a sacred space. The sculpture originates from one of the altars of the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in the village of Bishche. It stands as a striking example of Baroque sculpture, combining monumentality of form, expressive drapery, and a naive, heartfelt sincerity of character.

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery