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European Cherub, Carved Gilt Wood, Circa 1900
Decorative European Carved Gilt Wood Cherub, H:12" W:8", Circa 1900. In Jewish, Christian, and Islamic literature, a cherub is a celestial winged being with human, animal, or birdlike characteristics who functions as a throne bearer of the deity. Derived from ancient Middle Eastern mythology and iconography, these celestial beings serve important liturgical and intercessory functions in the hierarchy of angels. The term most likely derives from the Akkadian karibu, or kuribu (from the verb karabu, meaning “to pray,” or “to bless”). Old Testament descriptions of the cherubim emphasize their supernatural mobility and their cultic role as throne bearers of God, rather than their intercessory functions. In Christianity the cherubim are ranked among the higher orders of angels and, as celestial attendants of God, continually praise him. Known as karubiyun in Islam, the cherubim continuously praise God by repeating the tasbih (“Glory to Allah”) and dwell in peace in an area of the heavens that is inaccessible to attacks from Iblis, or the devil. Also known as a Putto or the plural Putti, a nude, chubby child figure, often with wings, frequently appearing in both mythological and religious paintings and sculpture, especially of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Derived from personifications of love, or Eros figures, in Greek and Roman art, putti came to be used to portray cherubim in Italian paintings of the 15th century, especially those of the Madonna and Child. With the revival of classical mythological subjects in the late 15th century, Cupid was commonly represented as a putto, and numbers of anonymous putti were frequently depicted in attendance on various immortals. There is a little damage to one of the wings which will be restored by FACL, Art Conservations Labatory located here in Santa Barbara, they do Conservation for Museums and Major Works of Art. Lifestyle Antiques.com is an antique dealer in Santa Barbara, California specializing in European antique furniture and antique lighting for your home and garden. Among some of our specialties are home lighting, home furnishings and garden statues. We specialize in French furniture as well as antique furniture from Spain and Italy. Looking for that right wall tapestry or pair of console tables or fine art prints? We may have what you are looking for. Among some of our favorite pieces are Murano glass, chaise lounges, lamps, table lamps, floor lamps, and settees. Interior decorating and interior design are both very fun for us. If you’d like us to help with your home interior, please let us know.
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