The Wolsey Angels

Display of the angels made for Cardinal Wolsey’s tomb but never used at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The museum has just bought these lovely bronze Renaissance angels and is showing them for a short period in their original condition before they are conserved a restored. It is fascinating to see them at this stage. They were split up into two pairs and have been kept in different conditions. One pair has what looks like a near perfect condition but the other paid have taken on the turquoise hew of weathered bronze. I must admit I rather preferred the weathered pair where the detail on them shows up better in the gallery light conditions.

These are important British Renaissance pieces but what fun to see them during the current “Wolf Hall” excitement!

Review
Guardian

 

 

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