Items Similar to Pair of 18th Century Flemish Carved Wooden Cherub (Putto) Heads
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 19
Pair of 18th Century Flemish Carved Wooden Cherub (Putto) Heads
$1,773.90
£1,295
€1,526.08
CA$2,437.43
A$2,727.94
CHF 1,423.78
MX$33,266.85
NOK 18,222.41
SEK 17,249.84
DKK 11,388.90
Shipping
Retrieving quote...The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation
About the Item
Pair of 18th Century Flemish Carved Wooden Cherub (Putto) Heads
A striking pair of hand-carved wooden cherub heads dating to the 18th century, originating from Flanders (present-day Belgium). These expressive putti—plump, angelic child figures—are emblematic of the Baroque and Rococo periods, when religious art and architectural ornamentation reached elaborate new heights in Catholic Europe.
Crafted with remarkable skill, these heads would have originally adorned sacred interiors—most likely as finials or decorative motifs on altarpieces, choir stalls, or even grand staircases in ecclesiastical or noble settings. Their function extended beyond aesthetics: cherub heads symbolized divine presence, innocence, and the omnipresence of heavenly beings. In Flemish churches, such figures were part of a broader visual language meant to inspire awe and devotion among the faithful.
Known colloquially as “eavesdroppers,” these cherubic heads were often placed in discreet architectural corners—beneath arches, on ceiling coves, or high atop altarpieces—creating the illusion that they were silently listening in or watching over the scene below. This imaginative placement contributed to the theatrical quality of Baroque interiors, where ornamentation and symbolism worked hand in hand.
Flanders, during the 17th and 18th centuries, was a hub of religious art production, and its woodcarvers were renowned for their lifelike rendering and emotional subtlety. These two heads embody that tradition, with softly modeled features, flowing hair, and a sense of serene presence.
Provenance: Acquired from a well-regarded antiques dealer in Belgium, this pair represents a rare and evocative example of Continental ecclesiastical art. Ideal for collectors of sacred artifacts, architectural salvage, or those with an eye for historical interiors.
Complete with orignal handmade iron hanging hooks.
Condition Report
Both cherub heads are in good overall condition given their age (circa 18th century). The hand-carved details remain finely visible, showcasing the delicate workmanship typical of Flemish ecclesiastical woodcarving of the Baroque period. The expressive features, including softly modeled faces and flowing hair, are well preserved with minimal loss of detail.
Measurement
Height: 19 cm / 7.5 inch (each)
Width: 16 cm / 6.3 inch (each)
Depth: 11 cm / 4.3 inch (each)
Weight: 1 kg / 2.2 Ilbs. (each)
- Dimensions:Height: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)Width: 6.3 in (16.01 cm)Depth: 4.3 in (10.93 cm)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1750
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use. Condition Report Both cherub heads are in good overall condition given their age (circa 18th century). The hand-carved details remain finely visible, showcasing the delicate workmanship typical of Flemish ecclesiastical woodcarving of the Baroque pe.
- Seller Location:Lincoln, GB
- Reference Number:Seller: 111201stDibs: LU7210245923982

About the Seller
5.0
Gold Seller
Premium sellers maintaining a 4.3+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2019
1stDibs seller since 2022
35 sales on 1stDibs
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Lincoln, United Kingdom
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View All18th Century Carved Wood Panel – Polychrome Head Of Cherub – Putto
Located in Lincoln, GB
Description
18th Century Carved Wood Panel – Polychrome Head Of Cherub – Putto
Magnificent decorative panel from an altarpiece in carved polychrome w...
Category
Antique 18th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
18th Century Baroque Giltwood Putto – Hand-Carved & Painted Antique Cherub
Located in Lincoln, GB
18th Century Baroque Giltwood Putto – Hand-Carved & Painted Antique Cherub
This remarkable 18th century Baroque giltwood putto is a fine example of ecclesiastical art from the late ...
Category
Antique 18th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique Carved Oak Cherub Head Wall Hanging
Located in Lincoln, GB
Exquisite Antique Carved Oak Cherub Head Wall Hanging is a stunning representation of craftsmanship from a bygone era, likely once part of a larger decorative ensemble.
The piece sh...
Category
Antique 19th Century Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Antique Hand Carved Wooden Head Sculpture of a Mythical Animal
Located in Lincoln, GB
Hand Carved Wooden Head Sculpture of a Mythical Animal
Head covered with raw earth afrian clay and glass eyes
Striking carved tusks
Category
Antique 19th Century Belgian Animal Sculptures
Materials
Clay, Glass, Wood
Antique Giltwood Carved Pediment on Stand – Late 18th / Early 19th Century
Located in Lincoln, GB
Antique Giltwood Carved Pediment on Stand – Late 18th / Early 19th Century
A stunning and finely carved giltwood pediment, now beautifully mounted on a custom metal stand for displa...
Category
Antique 18th Century Mounted Objects
Materials
Giltwood
18th Century Bust of a Bishop finished in polychrome.
Located in Lincoln, GB
18th Century Bust of a Bishop finished in polychrome.
The shape of the bust would suggest that it was originally part of a full-length figure.
Category
Antique 18th Century Busts
Materials
Wood
You May Also Like
Pair of 18th Century Carved Wooden Winged Cherubs from Italy
Located in Dallas, TX
Originally from 18th-century Italy, this pair of winged cherubs were hand-carved from wood as reflections of each other, meaning that their bodies are orientated as mirror images. Bo...
Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood, Paint
18th Pair of Wooden Heads of Two Cherubs with Golden Wings
Located in Marbella, ES
18th Pair of Wooden Heads of Two Cherubs with Golden Wings
Category
Antique 18th Century Spanish Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Pair of Ancient Wooden Gilded Angel Heads, 18th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Pair of angel heads is an original decorative object realized by an anonymous artist during the XVIII century.
The little angels are made of carved and gilded wood. Good conditions,...
Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Mounted Objects
Materials
Wood
Pair of 18th Century Italian Carved and Parcel Gilt Cherubs
Located in Dallas, TX
Very impressive 18th century pair of carved and parcel gilt cherubs on steel stands from Italy. Lovely carving and patina on these.
Category
Antique 18th Century Italian Mounted Objects
Materials
Wood
Pair 18th Century Hand-Carved Wooden Angels
Located in Dallas, TX
Pair 18th century hand-carved wooden angels were sculpted by a talented artist from solid blocks of hardwood, and feature exquisite features and d...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century French Romantic Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Hardwood
$3,900 / set
18th Century Spanish Pair of Giltwood Cherubs
Located in Marbella, ES
18th century Spanish pair of giltwood cherubs.
Category
Antique 18th Century Spanish Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Gold
More Ways To Browse
Choir Stalls
Erte Angel
Ludwig Eisenberger
Par Geo Maxim
Trans Europ Express
Art Deco Joy By Garcia
Bruno Zach On Sale
Buck Mccain Bronze
Burmese Nat Figures
Denise Delavigne Marble
Focht Frederic
Johanna Meier Michel
Lehman Bro
Max Le Verrier Sculpture Spartiate
Murano Flamenco Dancer
Ndebele Statue
Pair Of Murano Glass And Sterling Silver Clowns
Paper Mache Stephen Hansen