ABOUT THE WORK

This pair of beautifully carved standing archangels on plinths with original polychromy and gilding once held their identifying symbols instead of the present pescantes or sconces from antique andas or processional platforms installed by Luis Araneta for use during his famous parties. The hair of each archangel is painstakingly delineated by the carver in a sinuso or kinuhol (snail-like) style and topped by the archaic forelocks which seem to date these to the late 18th century or earlier. The archangels and their seemingly windblown vestments have a strong rococo feel to them. These archangels could have possibly adorned the main retablo of a church; they could have been finials on the top of a side altar; they could have been part of a set of seven archangels for a belen or crèche setup during the Christmas season; they could have also been just a pair that flanked a carved urna or home altar with a patron saint. They are rarities characteristic of the vaunted pieces in the Luis Ma. Araneta collection. The Seven Archangels of Roman Catholic tradition (although only three are mentioned in the Bible) are Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Sealtiel, Barrachiel, and Judiel. Michael is the Prince of the Heavenly Hosts (symbolized by a sword and a shield), Gabriel is the Special Messenger of God (symbolized by a rolled parchment and a trumpet), Raphael is the Healer and Guide for Christian Pilgrims (symbolized by a staff and a fishing rod), Uriel is the Archangel of Justice (symbolized by the scales of justice), Sealtiel is the Archangel of Worship and Contemplation (symbolized by prayerful hands), Barrachiel is the Guardian and Provider of the Children of God (symbolized by a basket of bread and fruits), and Judiel is the Bearer of God’s Merciful Love (symbolized by an ewer or pitcher). Filipino antique dealers and collectors like to say that rare pieces like these are of the type that are no longer available, even when one has the wherewithal, simply because they have all been purchased, are treasured by their new owners, and locked up in private collections. The appearance of these rare items in the market is now regarded as an event worth celebrating. (Augusto M. R. Gonzalez III)