Gilded Angel

Title
Gilded Angel
Year/Period
20th century
Region
Kerala, India
Material
Dimension
Object size: 65.0 x 32.0 x 11.5 cm
Accession No.
2015-00156
Collection of

Angels with or without wings have been depicted in Christian and Islamic arts and with the advent of these artistic traditions to the Indian subcontinent, one can find them in many churches in India. Angels are generally genderless spiritual beings, however, in the 19th century, gendered depictions were found all over the world. In many European style domestic buildings in India, they are also depicted holding garlands, musical instruments and light fittings even. Notice the imitation of the European style musculature and proportions by the Indian craftsman.