Angel 18th century

Giuseppe Sanmartino sculpted this terracotta angel sometime in the 18th century. Angels are a common subject in Italian art and represent a link between the earthly and the divine. They were often commissioned by wealthy patrons as a symbol of status and piety. This angel is no exception. The quality of the craftsmanship and the use of expensive materials suggest that this angel was made for a wealthy patron, most likely for a private chapel or oratory. Sanmartino was one of the leading sculptors in Naples and he had a large workshop of assistants who helped him to produce his works. While he received many commissions from the church, the artist also worked on secular projects for the Neapolitan aristocracy. Through the study of patronage records and workshop practices, we gain a richer understanding of the complex social and economic factors that shaped the production of art in 18th-century Naples.