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Candelabra Angels

Candelabra Angels are two bronze putti in the Musée Jacquemart-André in Paris, attributed to Donatello. They measure 67.5 cm and 57.5 cm in height and are generally dated between 1434 and 1439. The works are widely considered to be the two choir angels described by Vasari in his biography of Luca della Robbia for Florence Cathedral. Their attribution to Donatello is regarded as virtually unquestioned, and many scholars believe they were made for the crowning of the choir loft carved by Donatello for Santa Maria del Fiore.

Bronze candelabra angel sculpture with wings, a wreath, and a garland, looking upward while holding a circular object.
A bronze candelabra angel sculpture, shown with wings, a wreath, and a garland.
October 2022 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Candelabra Angels, a bronze winged putto seated on an ornate white base and holding a small object while looking upward.
Candelabra Angels shown as a bronze winged putto seated on an ornate white base.
February 2024 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Bronze candelabra angel, a kneeling winged cherub holding a small dish and garland.
Donatello’s candelabra angel shown as a kneeling winged cherub with a small dish and garland.
October 2022 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Close-up of Donatello’s bronze candelabra angel with a leafy wreath, feathered wings, and an open mouth.
A close-up of Donatello’s candelabra angel, showing the bronze putto’s face, wreath, and wings.
April 2022 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Close-up of a bronze Candelabra Angels figure with bare torso and arms, hands clasping a cylindrical object on a shallow disc.
Close-up of the bronze Candelabra Angels sculpture, showing the figure’s torso and hands holding a cylindrical object.
April 2022 © · CC BY-SA 4.0

Identification

TitleCandelabra Angels
Alternative namesCandelabra-bearing putti; The Putti candle-holders
TypePair of small bronze statuettes
SubjectTwo child angels (putti)
Number of figuresTwo

Historical context

Datec. 1434–1439

Creator

AttributionAttributed to Donatello; today practically undisputed

Discovery and provenance

Probable identificationProbably the two choir angels described by Giorgio Vasari in the biography of Luca della Robbia
Possible original location or purposePossibly made to crown the cantoria or choir loft sculpted by Donatello for Florence Cathedral (Santa Maria del Fiore)

Physical characteristics

Height67.5 cm and 57.50 cm

Materials

MaterialBronze

Appearance

PoseSeated
Body positionElegant twisting pose; one figure turns to the right and the other to the left
Head positionHeads turned more sharply in the same direction as the body twist
Leg positionOne foot rests on the small plinth supporting them, while the other leg is extended downward
CompositionA spiral rotation is created through the arms resting on the opposite knee

Iconography and meaning

Objects heldEach figure holds a base for a candle
Missing elementThe spike or peg for inserting a large wax candle is lost
FunctionTo support a large wax candle

Location and ownership

Current locationMusée Jacquemart-André, Paris