c. 1710-1720

Cherubim in Clouds (two)

These gilded bronze reliefs probably belonged to a larger decorative ensemble for a church altar. Most architectural sculpture of this sort was removed from its setting and melted down during the French Revolution. These survived and their style is especially close to the sculpted ornament on the carved and gilded wooden organ case in the royal chapel of the château of Versailles, which was designed by Pierre Lepautre (c. 1660-1744) and revised and completed in 1710 under François-Antoine Vassé (1681-1736). They were most likely created by members of the team of artists and craftsmen who worked for the French crown but accepted commissions from private clients as well.