Antique 18th Century French Handcarved Wooden Religious Panel

The benevolent cherub altar plaque originates from a fine collection found near the border of France and Belgium. 
It has lovely 18 th century (circa 1780) imagery, with rounded lines and heavy gilding. It entirely of solid wood: the back from a single thick white oak board and the cherub carved in walnut. A thin layer of plaster gives smoothness for the painted and gilded portions (typical French 18 th century work). 

The facial features are exquisitely carved with delicate painted details. The hair is beautifully carved in wavy rows. The wings are fashioned with raised feathers. The gilding is resplendent.

The raw wood is visible on the back and in places where the paint/gilding has worn off with age. It measures 14” tall, 6 1/2” wide at top and bottom. The cherub measures 10” profile across curve of face from bottom board. The center height is 6” from base to highest point of face. There is chipping to the paint, plaster and gilding as is expected with over 200 years of time. It does remain solid and strong in structure.