Rare Large 15th Century Renaissance English Oak Roof Angels Corbel.
 
Truly astonishing rare roof angels, circa 1450. The large Medieval carving features two angel heads with elaborate feathered wings. The details, applied by a master craftsman. show two round faces with eyes wide open, pursed lips and delicate noses. The heads are surrounded with curly windswept hair. Such carved angels would have been positioned and pinned to the beam of a church ceiling. During the English Reformation, Catholic churches were gutted of their artistic splendor and the Medieval religious imagery was destroyed. Only a few of these important, historical sculptures have survived and made their way into private hands. They have a priceless connection with the past. The rarity of such early English roof angels verges on the non-existent.
 
Built between 1395 and the English Reformation of the mid-1500s, these roofs are decorated with intricately carved wooden angels. Only 170 survived today.
Reference: 
(Researcher and expert Michael Rimmer in his book THE ANGEL ROOFS of EAST ANGLIA: UNSEEN MASTERPIECES  of the MIDDLE AGES. Published 2015
Comparative Literature:
C. Tracy. English Medieval Furniture and Woodwork, London, 1984
Provenance: 
Private Collection
 
The carving is in very good antique condition. It is heavy with untouched surface to the oak.
 
Measurements: W 40” x D 20” x H 17”
 
Weight: approximately 30lbs.