Cast Solid Brass | Winged Cherub / Putti Head | Wall Appliqué | Architectural Fitting | Victorian / Edwardian Style | Very Good Condition

A cherub cast in solid brass — wings spread, curls tumbling, mouth open mid-song — the kind of small architectural treasure that turns a plain wall into something with a history.

BACKGROUND

The winged cherub head — known in the decorative arts tradition as a putto or seraph — is one of the most enduring motifs in European decorative arts, appearing across furniture, architecture, silverware, ceramics and metalwork from the Renaissance through to the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. Cast brass cherub appliqués of this type were used as architectural ornaments on furniture, picture frames, overmantels, cabinets, coffin furniture and interior fittings throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. The casting quality on this example is notably fine — the feathering of the individual wing primaries, the tumbling curls, and the open-mouthed, upward-gazing expression are all rendered with a crispness that speaks to a skilled foundry. The warm rose-gold tone of the polished brass and the solid, substantial weight of 100 grams further confirm this as a quality casting rather than a lightweight pressed or plated piece. The reverse carries a wall-mounting slot fitting, allowing it to be hung flat against a surface.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

A single cast solid brass winged cherub or putto head, modelled in high relief with wings outstretched horizontally to either side. The cherub's face is upturned with mouth open, framed by deeply modelled curling hair. The wings are rendered with fine feather detailing across each primary. The shoulders and upper chest taper to a cloud-like base. The surface is highly polished to a warm, rose-gold brass tone. The reverse is unfinished cast brass with a central rectangular wall-mounting slot fitting. Weight 100 grams; wingspan 12cm; height 2.5cm.

CONDITION STATEMENT

Very good. No damage, cracks or structural faults. The surface is clean and well polished with no pitting or corrosion. Some light age-related wear to the reverse consistent with previous mounting. The casting retains full crispness of detail throughout.

KEY DETAILS

• Material: Solid cast brass
• Style: Victorian / Edwardian architectural — winged cherub / putti head
• Form: Wall appliqué / architectural ornament / furniture mount
• Mounting: Keyhole slot fitting to reverse — ready to hang
• Weight: 100 grams
• Dimensions: Wingspan 12cm; height 2.5cm
• Finish: Highly polished warm rose-gold brass
• Condition: Very good — no damage; clean and crisp throughout
• Buyer profile: Interior decorator; architectural salvage collector; furniture restorer; ecclesiastical or Gothic décor buyer; display collector

Small enough to sit in the palm of a hand, solid enough to outlast everything around it — the brass cherub that has been watching from the wall for longer than anyone can remember.