Master of the Singing Angels

Master of the Singing Angels ( it. 'Maestro degli angeli cantori') is proposed as the emergency name for an Italian artist who worked in Lombardy in the first half of the 15th century . A number of terracotta reliefs are attributed to him, many of which depict a central figure such as a representation of Mary surrounded by singing angels. Among them is the relief of a Maria of the Annunciation (Maria Annunciata) in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London (inventory number 8378-1863), which was bought in Milan in the 19th century. This still shows slight traces of painting.

Clay as a material can be created relatively quickly by the artist, was often used to create the template for a large sculptural work in other material. It is also suitable for producing a large number of models. The flat style and the details with which the master of the singing angels worked suggests that his reliefs are intended as independent works of art and not just as a design that he wanted to show one of his wealthy patrons . Therefore his works were usually painted.

However, the newly proposed name of a master of the singing angels is only slowly beginning to establish itself in the professional world, especially since terracotta works of the Renaissance tend to receive less attention.

Individual evidence

1. ^ John Pope-Hennesy: Catalog of Italian Sculpture in the Victoria and Albert Museum. London 1964, pp.?.

literature

• Aldo Galli: Il Maestro degli angeli cantori e le più antiche sculture lombarde in terracotta . In: NUOVI STUDI, V. 6, (1998), pp. 15-30.
• Christie's, Sale 7983. 500 Years Important Decorative Arts Europe . London July 2011, lot 516 (terracotta relief from the circle of the Master of the Singing Angels ( digital copy )).