Figure of an Angel

The sculptural depiction presents an angel in the guise of a chubby infant putto. The style of execution, image, plastic rendering, and dynamic angles belong to the tradition of Baroque sculptural carving that was prevalent in Galicia in the 18th century. Similar figures of angels adorned altars, iconostases, pulpits, or icon frames, creating the impression of a heavenly presence. The presented work is executed in a naturalistic manner. The figure is depicted in motion. The angel's torso is tilted diagonally, creating a sense of flight. His arms are bent at the elbows and directed upwards with open palms. This is a gesture of glorification or blessing, typical of Baroque angelic imagery. The legs are bent at the knees in such a way that the smooth silhouette narrows downwards, emphasising lightness and dynamics. The angel's head is turned towards the right shoulder and slightly raised, directing his gaze upwards. The rounded face, softly and sculpturally rendered, features chubby cheeks, a high open forehead, a snub nose, and a welcoming smile on his lips, which gives the image a cheerful character. The heavenly creature possesses an earthly, human, and childlike nature – precisely such an interpretation of the angelic image is characteristic of Ukrainian Baroque carving. The angel's hair is moulded in voluminous wavy strands. His body is anatomically rendered by the master with smooth lines and soft creases. The figure conveys a plump child's body with rounded folds. A small drapery covers the naked forms of the putto. Fragments of red paint on the drapery and dark colour on the hair have been preserved, while the rest of the polychromy is lost.
This sculptural depiction of a small putto is an excellent example of Ukrainian Baroque art, combining profound religious meaning with a lively, immediate interpretation of the angelic image.

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery