Carved Wooden Cherub With Violin Figurine Appraisal

Carved Wooden Cherub with Violin Figurine

This item is a meticulously carved wooden figurine depicting a cherub or putto playing a violin, a common motif in religious and classical art. It appears to be hand-carved from a light-colored wood, possibly linden or maple, given its smooth, light beige tone and the fine detail achievable. The carving is unpainted, showcasing the natural grain and texture of the wood, which has a matte finish. The cherub is rendered with plump, youthful features, curly hair, and small, detailed wings emanating from its back. It is depicted in a dynamic pose, as if suspended in air, with legs bent and arms raised to hold a miniature violin and bow. The details on the violin are remarkably precise for its small scale, including what appear to be f-holes and a bridge. The overall size is small enough to fit comfortably in a human hand, suggesting it might be approximately 4-6 inches in length or height. There are no immediately visible signs of significant damage such as cracks, chips, or repairs, indicating good preservation. The carving exhibits a high level of craftsmanship, particularly in the delicate rendering of the facial features, individual strands of hair, and the intricate musical instrument. While no maker's marks or signatures are visible in the provided image, the style suggests a traditional European, possibly Alpine or Baroque-inspired, origin, conceivably from the mid-20th century or later, though without further information, earlier periods cannot be entirely ruled out.