Two Matched Putti Winged Cherubs
One large (7 x 14”) and one small (3 1/2 x 7”) polychrome gesso putti. Matched set. Wood carved, plaster(?). Condition apparent in pics. I want to know where made/country of origin (reasons for determination?), age/date made(century, reasons for determination?), appraised value, other pertinent history detail.
Antique store, unknown collector’s sold collection from estate sale.
Other
Maybe
This is a pair of mid 20th century carved wood with painted gesso surface of the heads of cherubs or putti flanked by wings. They are from Spain and faintly marked "Made in Spain" on the backside. The McKinley Tariff in 1892 decreed all objects have a country of origin stamp. The style and primitive naivete of the surface decoration as well as the patina dates these to the mid 20th century, likely sold after World War II as a souvenir piece when local artisans were attempting to recover from the economic impact of the war. Spain is a predominantly Roman Catholic nation and these would be religious inspired decor. Cherub heads were depicted by artists as being emblematic of pure spirit, love and intelligence. The estimate is for the pair together based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparables. Retail 'asking prices' can be higher and vary.
Hi Nora - The bottom letters look like SPAIN. Thanks.
MADE IN SPAIN, I think.
The more I look at the MADE IN SPAIN enlarging it, the more it looks like hand painted letters, like brush strokes, particularly the S, but the two N’s are not uniform like a “stamp” would be.
It appears there may may be a stamp or mark on the backside of the larger piece. If so, please add a clear, in-focus close up image of the words that appear to be on the backside.