Angel 1750 - 1799

This Angel was made by Salvatore di Franco in the 18th century, primarily from wood and fabric. The sculpture's carved wooden core gives form to its human features. Di Franco masterfully drapes the figure in layered fabrics, using their textures and colors to convey the angel’s ethereal nature. The careful arrangement of the cloth gives a sense of movement, as if the angel is caught in a divine gust. Note the details in the wings, where paint mimics the delicate structure of feathers. Angels like this were usually made for private devotion, and were a product of sophisticated workshops. Di Franco was not only a skilled woodcarver, but also managed a complex operation, collaborating with tailors and painters. In this regard, the sculpture stands as a testament to the vibrant artistic economy of 18th-century Italy, where the lines between art, craft, and industry were wonderfully blurred. By understanding its making, we gain insight into the cultural values it embodies.