A rare late 17th century hanger

Dmitry · 26th May 2013, 02:12 PM

I think the feathered bust might be a Harpy, not a cherub. Cherubs only had wings and were otherwise human, Harpies had bodies if birds and human faces. Classical motifs are prevalent on the guards of these hangers, with Hercules being the most popular one, in my experience. Last quarter of the 17th-early 18th c. England is how I approach them. Precise dating is tough, unless the example is documented or otherwise dated, IMHO.

M ELEY · 30th May 2013, 10:30 AM

Thanks for responding, Dmitry. Yes, a harpy it could very well be. The face isn't the typical cherubic smile either. It appears more human and a little creepy. Either way, I like the decoration, as I don't have many pieces with figural hilts.

26th May 2013, 02:12 PM	#1
Dmitry Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 607	I think the feathered bust might be a Harpy, not a cherub. Cherubs only had wings and were otherwise human, Harpies had bodies if birds and human faces. Classical motifs are prevalent on the guards of these hangers, with Hercules being the most popular one, in my experience. Last quarter of the 17th-early 18th c. England is how I approach them. Precise dating is tough, unless the example is documented or otherwise dated, IMHO.

30th May 2013, 10:30 AM	#2
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,141	Thanks for responding, Dmitry. Yes, a harpy it could very well be. The face isn't the typical cherubic smile either. It appears more human and a little creepy. Either way, I like the decoration, as I don't have many pieces with figural hilts.