19th Century Statue by Arthur Waagen (1833-1898)

2103-12477 (Click to Inquire About This Item)

27.5H x 15W x 10D

Location: Dallas

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19th Century Statue by Arthur Waagen (1833-1898) is a timeless interpretation of the "Angelus" depicting a humble farmer and his wife pausing from their daily labor to pray.  Note the superlative detail in their garments, gardening implements, and even the wheat laying at their feet.  Cast in spelter, it has been given a patinaed bronze finish which remains in exceptional condition.
Arthur Waagen was (born Waagenwas) in Germany, and became a well-respected sculptor and animalier.  He ascribed to membership of the 19th-century movement specializing in the realistic portrayal of animals.  He is known for Equestrian heroic figures, and later in his career branched out into more devotional themes.  Very little is known about his personal life.   Here he has beautifully portrayed "The Angelus" which is a Catholic devotion commemorating the Incarnation or the Annunciation. As with many Catholic prayers, the name Angelus is derived from its incipit—the first few words of the text: Angelus Domini Nuntiavit Mariæ ("The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary"). The Angelus exemplifies a category of prayers called the "prayer of the devotee".  The devotion was traditionally recited in Roman Catholic churches, convents, and monasteries three times daily: 06:00, 12:00 and 18:00 (many churches including some outside the Catholic domain still follow the devotion, and some practice it at home).  The Angelus is usually accompanied by the ringing of the Angelus bell, which is a call to prayer and to spread goodwill to everyone.  The angel referred to in the prayer is Gabriel, a messenger of God who, in the Annunciation, revealed to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive a child to be born the Son of God.
Circa 1890s
Measures 27.5H x 15W x 10D

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