Holt Antiques at East Raynham
A 17th-Century Spanish Carved Giltwood and Polychrome Retablo Fragment with Winged Cherubs
A 17th-Century Spanish Carved Giltwood and Polychrome Retablo Fragment with Winged Cherubs
Proud to be members of
Couldn't load pickup availability
A charming fragment from a Spanish Baroque retablo, carved, gilt, and polychromed, and probably dating from the 17th century. The panel formed the crowning arch of a niche or framed relief. Its lower edge is cut in a broad arch with a gilt moulding; the upper corners are canted, and reeded gilt mouldings at either side mark where it met the flanking pilasters.
Within the spandrels are a pair of winged cherub heads, each set against a gilt scallop shell. The shell (the venera) is one of the most persistent motifs of Spanish ecclesiastical carving, an emblem of pilgrimage and of Santiago. The cherubs’ faces retain their soft flesh-toned polychromy, with ruddy cheeks and russet curls, and their wings are painted in blue and red against the gold. Between them, a gilt acanthus boss sits beneath a blue-painted ribbon swag, binding the composition together.
Such fragments survive because the great retablos of Spain were so often dismantled, altered or replaced. This one is small enough to hang almost anywhere, and it brings the warmth and devotional theatre of the Spanish baroque to a wall, a chapel corner or a collection of ecclesiastical carving.
Provenance: Spain. 17th-century.
Material: Carved softwood, gessoed, water-gilt and polychrome.
Condition: Wear and losses to the gilding and polychromy commensurate with age, with the gesso ground showing through in places. Chips and losses to the edges and mouldings. Old worm and nail holes to the plain-boarded reverse. A genuinely untouched surface.
Dimensions: Height 9⅝ in (24.5 cm); width 17⅜ in (44 cm); depth 3 1/2" (9 cm)
🚚✈️🚢 We ship worldwide!
You can buy with 100% confidence too!
We are a member of the following 4 Professional Associations:
1. LAPADA (London and Provincial Antique Dealers Association) – LAPADA is the UK’s largest trade association for professional art & antique dealers (representing approximately 500 UK dealer members). All items are backed by our LAPADA guarantee;
2. CINOA –Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Oeuvres d'Art, (or International Confederation of Art and Antique Dealers' Associations) is the world association of art & antique dealer associations (representing 5000 dealers from 32 associations in 22 countries);
3. The Norfolk & Suffolk Antique Dealers Association - Representing reputable, high quality antiques dealers based in Norfolk and Suffolk; and
4. FSB - Federation of Small Business.
Wish to purchase this item?
1. Buy online via this website; OR
2. Tel: 00 44 7551 383897 (line open 9.30 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Saturday UK time) where we can take payment over the phone.
Want further information about an item or wish to discuss shipping costs?
1. Email us via this website; OR
2. Email us via:
info@holtantiquefurniture.com
We will aim to respond and make contact with you within 24 hours of receipt of your enquiry.
🚚✈️🚢 Shipping & Customs Information
Please Note: Prices shown exclude customs clearance fees. Where applicable, these charges will be levied directly by your receiving courier, designated importer, or local government authority. These fees vary by destination and are the responsibility of the buyer. For guidance on potential charges, we recommend contacting your local customs office prior to purchase.
