This small, unpublished sculpture forms a pair with the work identified by inv. no. PV 10163, and would have originally been set to the right as the viewer looks. On a moulded and gilded base that is decorated with plant motifs, an angelic figure, though without wings, kneels on its left leg. On the other knee it is holding, in both hands, a rounded candlestick, with flutes and plant motifs, carved and painted in red and green. There is some gold leaf too, which also features on the decoration of the green dress that falls down to its feet, leaving them uncovered. The hair, which rest on the shoulders, is tied with a ribbon. The purpose of this type of liturgical ornamentation was, in all likelihood, to provide illumination during Holy Communion, taking over the role that the clergyman would have performed before, holding the candle himself. Indeed the figure is dressed like a priest, wearing the very clothes of the celebrant with the gown, the cincture and the stole around the neck, crossing over at the chest. The work is in mediocre condition and the rather imprecise carving and simplified polychromy indicate it was produced by a central Italian workshop at the beginning of the 16th century.

Grazia Maria Fachechi