CAPPONI, Luigi di Pietro
(active 1485-1500 in Rome)

Two Angels

c. 1500
Marble, 116 x 42 cm (each)
Musei Vaticani, Vatican

The origin of the two reliefs, representing youthful standing angels, is unknown. They are symmetrically conceived, flanking an unknown and possibly lost central image. They wear long, thin dresses all'antica, which are sleeveless and girded around the waist. In one hand each holds a long and elegantly shaped palm leaf, while the other hands, which are cut off at the edge of the marble block, probably pointed toward the central figure or composition. The angels stand on sketchy clouds, with small cherubim under their feet.

Suggested listening (streaming mp3, 4 minutes):
César Franck: Panis angelicus