Carved and Painted Wood Figure of a Cherub Praying

19th century or earlier, Continental, carved in one piece with separate wings.

21 3/4 x 11 1/4 x 13 1/2 in.

The Caroline Faison Antiques Collection, Greensboro, North Carolina

This is a pose traditionally used in cemetery figures, possibly this example was designed as a tomb guardian in a private chapel.

Shrinkage crack to face; fill to hands and other scattered spots; crack to right elbow; loss of left foot; right knee repaired; wings likely broken off and replaced; later supportive nails; other small shrinkage cracks.