Angel hanging from a hook
Unknown Artist
second half 18th century
Medium
Wood, glass, paper maché, polychromed and gilded
Dimensions
H. ca. 4 in. (10.2 cm)
Classification
Crèche figure
Culture
probably Ecuadoran, Quito
Department
The American Wing
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Loretta Hines Howard, 1964
Accession Number
64.164.185
Art Historical Context
This exquisite "Angel hanging from a hook crafted in the second half the 18th century, exemplifies the masterful religious sculpture of colonial Quito, Ecuador. Standing just 4 inches tall, the figure is suspended from a hook, suggesting its use in processions or altar displays during Catholic feast days. Made from wood, with delicate additions of glass eyes, paper maché for fine details, and vibrant polychrome painting accented by gilding, it showcases the Quito school's renowned techniques. Artisans layered pigments over gesso-coated wood, then applied gold leaf for a heavenly glow, creating...