GUIDING ANGEL
Probably Northern Italian, late 16th or early 17th century

Lost-wax cast bronze, nuanced black lacquered patination
Raised on a later Sienna marble base

7 7/8" H x 2 3/8" D x 2 3/8" W overall
4 7/8" H bronze

A small Renaissance devotional bronze group depicting a winged angel guiding a wounded man with his leg crooked and resting on the tree stump, supporting his remaining weight with a staff while a serpent coils near his feet. A likely personification of the human soul, the guiding angel stands close beside the figure in a protective brotherly gesture with a trumpet held to his lips actively acting for the safety of the pilgrim, his eyes raised while the pilgrim's gaze has drifted downward to the serpent at their feet, perhaps symbolizing sin, temptation or spiritual danger.

The group is cast with a naivete and softness, the surface having naturally worn into a silky translucent patination with an all-over black lacquer together with traces of red-oxide, ochre undertones and naturally oxidized bronze hues.

Condition: Angel missing one wing. Rubbing and minor wear to the patination, a few spots of patina relief to the back of the figures (intertwined arms and along garment). Plaster or other material accretion to the lower tip of the trumpet. Base is probably not original, appearing to be an 18th century block of stone, discolored with minor flea bites and wear. A very fine presentation.

ref. 603CPP31P