Angel
18th–19th century
Medium
Polychromed wood and plaster
Dimensions
H. 15 3/4 in. (40 cm.)
Classification
Crèche
Culture
Italian, Naples
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Loretta Hines Howard, 1964
Accession Number
64.164.53
Tags
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, this charming *Angel* by Neapolitan sculptor Angelo Viva the artistry of 18th–19th century Italian crèches, or *presepi*. just 15¾ inches (40 cm) tall, the figure is crafted from polychromed wood and plaster, a technique that brings ethereal grace to life through vibrant paints, intricate gilding, and delicately carved features. Gifted by Loretta Hines Howard in 4, it captures the heavenly attendants so central to Naples' beloved nativity traditions. Neapolitan crèches flourished during the Baroque era, transf...
About the Artist
Angelo Viva · 1748–1837
Italian, Naples 1748–1837 Naples