| Description Of Item | This is one of two plaster reliefs of cherubs found in the Great Hall, both of which depict a cherub with a lighted torch. However, the reliefs differ somewhat, particularly in the positioning of the cherub; whilst in this piece the cherub looks directly out in its counterpart (Cherub with a torch (b)) the cherub instead looks toward the flame of the torch. The sculptor George MacCallum was paid five pounds for each of the cherubs that he supplied.
Cherubs belonged to the second order of angels of the Dionysian hierarchy and were especially reputed for excelling in knowledge, a feature which may have influenced the decision to use these particular decorative panels in the frieze.
Artist: Unknown |