Italian, Northern Italy
Adoring Angel, 18th century
Polychromed wood, 76.2 cm (30 in.)
This vertical sculpture of an angel is Italian and made of polychromed wood. The angel, whose wings extend upward, is looking downward. It has medium dark skin and rosy cheeks. Its hair curls at the middle of its forehead and on the side of its face. Its right arm is crooked at the elbow, with its hand raised upward and fingers partially bent. Its left arm is extended downward, with its thumb and index finger touching and its other fingers extended, palm side down. The angel is wearing a gold outfit with a tie belt, sleeves that flare at the elbow, and a hem that also flares above the angel’s bare knees and legs. The angel stands on a small pedestal.
Chapel
Commentary
Isabella Stewart Gardner kept meticulous records of many of her acquisitions. In keeping with this legacy, object information is continually being reviewed, updated, and enriched in order to give greater access to the collection.