19th-century polychrome plaster statues of angels, Napoleon III style, to be restored, church decor

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This pair of religious statues depicts two standing angels, each holding a trumpet. The sculptures, made of polychrome plaster, exhibit a style characteristic of the late 19th century, in keeping with the Napoleon III period mentioned in the keywords. Both angels are dressed in long blue-green tunics adorned with gold motifs, with finely detailed golden wings visible in the background. The statues are placed on circular cloud-imitation bases, accentuating their celestial and decorative dimension, typical of antique liturgical objects.

The first statue, in the foreground, retains its entire head and features, although the face is heavily worn with numerous areas of missing polychromy. However, the eyes, curly brown hair, and golden details on the tunic are still distinguishable. The right hand holds a large gold-painted trumpet, while the left hand rests on the chest. The bare feet rest on a molded cloud, which also has chipped paint.

The second statue, placed in the background, has a missing head and traces of old restorations or fractures visible at the neck and arms. It also holds a golden trumpet and wears a tunic with similar blue-green and gold hues. Both statues show numerous signs of wear, chips, and missing paint over the entire surface, revealing the underlying plaster in places, which gives them an authentic patina and a "needs restoration" appearance true to their age.

The molded details of the clothing, wings, and bases testify to careful craftsmanship, typical of French religious productions of the second half of the 19th century. No markings or inscriptions are visible on the presented faces. The shades of blue, gold, and ivory, combined with the wear of time, give them a special charm for an altar or interior decoration in an antique style.

These statues are ideal for display in a religious, church, or chapel decoration context, or for a heritage restoration project. Their slender form and dynamic drapery make them striking display or wall decoration objects.

Condition

Used items sold as is, with numerous chips, wear, missing paint, and a missing head on one of the statues. To be restored or kept in their discovered condition.

Did you know? Polychrome plaster angel statues were frequently used in French churches at the end of the 19th century, a period during which plaster, economical and easy to mold, replaced stone or wood for religious statuary. These works were often produced by specialized workshops to meet the growing demand for cult objects after the restoration of places of worship under Napoleon III.

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Keywords: religious angels, church statue, polychrome plaster, Napoleon III decoration, angel statue, 19th century, religious object restoration, antique sculpture, altar decoration, trumpet angel statue, antique angel, French church decor