Angel 1750 - 1799

Giuseppe Sanmartino crafted this Angel from terracotta, wood, and cloth in the 18th century. The sculpture's most striking feature is the juxtaposition of materials. The terracotta and wood provide a solid, grounded structure for the figure, while the addition of cloth adds a layer of realism, softening its appearance. The materiality influences its appearance, imbuing the artwork with social and cultural significance. Sanmartino engaged with skilled traditions of sculpture and textile work. The creation of this artwork involved not only sculpting and carving but also the selection, manipulation, and arrangement of fabrics to create the angel's robes, with an incredible amount of work involved in its production. Ultimately, considering the materials, making, and context allows a fuller understanding of this artwork, challenging the distinction between fine art and craft.