Cherubs, as celestial creatures, symbolize love and divinity. Giving these angel figurines as a present to loved ones as a reminder that they are loved and supported by a higher power can serve as an empowering symbolism of this sentiment.

Cherub figurines make an exquisite addition to any home and are an ideal token of sympathy for loved ones who are grieving or have recently experienced loss. Visit 1stDibs for an array of Rococo and Art Nouveau designer figurines made by Cherub creators such as Pegaso or Caravaggio.

Symbolism

Biblical cherubim angels serve to protect God's heavenly glory, while at the same time being pure in love. People naturally associated these baby angels with images of Cupid and putti who represent true love's blissfulness. Their cute, cuddly creatures often exude playful looks which make adults smile; usually sporting sweet, flawless faces with "baby fat."

Cherubim were placed over the Ark of the Covenant and Holy of Holies as a symbol of mercy, with some scholars believing their purpose was to protect Adam and Eve from divine justice's sword of justice, in hopes that one day they might be released from sinful life.

Cherubs became less prevalent during the Middle Ages but made a comeback during early Renaissance Italy when Europeans rediscover classical philosophy, literature, and art. Donatello is often credited with popularizing its inclusion into architecture.

Origin

While cherubim of Biblical reference guard God's heavenly glory, the mischievous yet playful baby angels seen more frequently in art works like Raphael's Sistine Madonna by Raphael are known as putti or Cupid; often depicted on funereal monuments or Baroque and Rococo European works of art they are frequently associated with romantic love.

Cute, adorable figures featuring "baby fat" and adorable features that exude childlike charm are a welcome distraction from an often complex reality, recalling our childhood selves with its innocence. Carved cherubs in living rooms or bedrooms create an air of lightness that helps everyone feel good, which explains why they captivate all generations and ages alike.

Styles

Cherubs may connote an overwhelming sense of sweetness, far removed from the ideal Classical form. Yet they remain popular choices in architectural sculpture: Wren's city churches often include them; even St Mary le Bow's portico boasts winged cherubic heads as ornamental features.

Cherubic heads also appear on funereal monuments; one such occurrence can be found here on a keystone of an arch, where two full-figure cherubs flank a doorway and another crowned angel clings tightly to a column with its long, pointed neck.

1stDibs offers an impressive selection of cherub figurines from both Rococo and Art Nouveau periods, such as Rococo cornice figures holding cornucopias; Terra cotta frieze with two musical cherubs playing harp and cymbals; Door panel figures featuring Sphinx-like heads holding flowers while another figure holding flowers; an oil warmer featuring Cherub angel wall plaque; among many more!

Gifting

Cherub figurines make thoughtful presents for any special event or celebration, and their compact size can easily fit into arrangements of flowers or home decor items, or they can stand alone as standalone pieces. Cherubs also add a spiritual or religious theme that makes for an excellent addition to religious or spiritual collections.

At 1stDibs, we offer an impressive collection of cherub figurines in different styles and time periods - dating back as far as 18th Century pieces or Rococo and Art Nouveau variants. These timeless designs will add elegance and divine love into your decor while offering simple reminders.

Our Cherub Garden Statue depicts an adorable young angel delighting in nature's mysteries. Crafted in quality designer resin, this adorable statue showcases details such as dimpled knees and feathered wings for added heavenly beauty. Place this decorative accent near your spa, pond or garden for an eye-catching touch of heaven on earth!