Angel (one of a pair)

Hendrik-Frans Verbruggen

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of a pair, with 1976.48.2, originally part of a shrine, altar or 'chaire', of moderate dimensions. Their attitude of turning toward a center of attention and the holes in the bottom each suggest that they were affixed at the sides and toward the top of an architectural composition, probably on the volutes. The soles of their feet are more anatomically researched and carefully executed than the tops, suggesting that they were meant to be seen from below. Their execution in the round suggests that they were meant to be seen from almost any vantage point. The twisting composition, elongated bodies and faceted carving are typical of Verbrugghen's style.

European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The fifty thousand objects in the Museum's comprehensive and historically important collection of European sculpture and decorative arts reflect the development of a number of art forms in Western European countries from the early fifteenth through the early twentieth century. The holdings include sculpture in many sizes and media, woodwork and furniture, ceramics and glass, metalwork and jewelry, horological and mathematical instruments, and tapestries and textiles. Ceramics made in Asia for export to European markets and sculpture and decorative arts produced in Latin America during this period are also included among these works.

Metropolitan Museum of Art