Angel 1755 - 1775

This wooden sculpture of an angel’s head was carved by Ignaz Günther sometime in the 18th century. We see a cherubic figure, its youthful face framed by gentle curls, wings sprouting from its shoulders. In Christian art, angels are messengers of God, often depicted as children to symbolize purity and innocence. Yet, this image also resonates with pagan antiquity, where winged figures like Eros or Cupid embodied love and desire. The motif of the winged child transcends cultures, appearing even in ancient Egypt as the winged scarab, a symbol of rebirth. The angel's gaze, cast slightly downward, evokes a sense of introspection. This pose is reminiscent of the melancholic figures found in Renaissance art, reflecting a blend of divine inspiration and human emotion. The innocent form, combined with this thoughtful expression, draws the viewer into a contemplation on spirituality and human destiny. The angel, therefore, is not merely a religious symbol. It represents a powerful connection between the earthly and the divine, recurring throughout time and human imagination.