Symbolism of Naked Cherubs in Christian Art
Cherubs (Cherubim) are the second highest Order of Angels (the first
being Archangels). In the Throne Room they were said to stand next to
the Throne of God.
Cherubs are the first Angels mentioned in the Bible when two Cherubs
are placed by God to guard the gates to Eden with Flaming Swords.
Genesis 3:24: "He drove out the man; and at the east of the Garden of
Eden He placed the Cherubim, and a Flaming Sword which turned every
way, to guard the way to the Tree of Life."
Ezekiel 10:14: “And every one had four faces: the first face was the
face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the
third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.”
They were not described as the cute little "cupid like" Angels
depicted by painters, but instead as having four wings. (Ezekiel
10:21). They also combined features of these four creatures; the
stature and hands of a man, the hooved feet of a calf and the two
pairs of wings. Two of the wings extended upward, meeting above and
sustaining the throne of God; while the other two stretched downward
and covered the creatures themselves. They never turned, but went
"straight forward" as the wheels of the cherubic chariot, and they
were full of eyes "like burning coals of fire" (Ezekiel 1:5- 28; 9:3,
10, 11:22).
They were also mentioned in the 2nd book of Chronicles where the King
Solomon decorates the Temple with the images of cherubs.
2 Chron 3:10: "And in the most holy house he made two cherubims of
image work, and overlaid them with gold."
Figures of golden cherubs with outstretched wings were on the lid of
the Ark of the Covenant, and carved engravings of cherubs were on the
walls of the Temple's inner and outer sanctuaries.
Drawings of winged creatures appear on Mesopotamian stone tablets
starting around 4000 BC. In paintings, they usually accompanied any
of the Holy Trinity, as well as the Madonna.
Many today envision cherubs to be naked little children with halos and
wings (think Valetine's Day cards). These representations arose in
Renaissance times (see Raphael's Sistine Madonna at (
http://www.eyeconart.net/history/Renaissance/sistine_madonna.htm )
and are based on still earlier representations found in Roman art
forms and late Christian art. Some art historians believe Christians
adopted the image of the winged dawn goddess Aurora or Eos to
represent angels.
Another interpretation of the nakedness of cherubs:
“...Before the sin of Adam and Eve, the cherubs were unnecessary; they
appear only as a result of the sin. Perhaps we may draw the following
conclusion - the cherubs represent none other than Adam and Eve
themselves, young and innocent and naked in the Garden of Eden...”
Cherubs are often confused with Putti. Putti comes from the Latin,
putus, meaning "little man”. They are spiritual beings and thus
depicted as winged little people. Years later, they were being
depicted the same way. Which one they were, simply depended upon the
theme of the painting or sculpture:
If religious (sacred) -- they were Cherubs.
If secular or mythic (profane) -- they were Putti.
Cherub Wall Plaque Pair
These two delightful, heavenly cherubs will add peace and tranquility to any room in your home. Alabastrite.
7" x 2 1/8" x 8" high.
CHERUBIUMS OIL BURNER
Three contemplative cherubs surround this oil warmer which can also be used to
hold a favorite candle.
5 1/4" diameter x 4 1/4" .
HOME DECOR
Sculptures and Statuary
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CHERUBS
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Cherub Votive Holders
Whether it's Easter or Christmas, you'll love making these candlesticks a part of your decorating scheme! Cherubs hold up a "torch" with a glass cup to surround the votive candle that fits inside. Alabastrite.
5" x 3 1/2" x 11 3/8"
CHERUBS OIL WARMER
This oil warmer offers thoughtful cherubs sitting on a classically designed base. Alabastrite, with glass dish. Tealights only.
5 1/2" diameter x 4 7/8" high
CHERUB
CANDLEHOLDER
On these heavenly candle holders, each winged cherub holds forth a torch topped by a glass hurricane lamp. Alabastrite.
Tapers only. 5 1/8" x 3 5/8" x 12" high
Renaissance Angel Candleholders
Straight from the works of the Italian masters, this pair of celestial messengers playfully cradle graceful taper candles. Add to a mantle or dining room table to create a serene scene! High-gloss white porcelain. Felt pad on bottom. Candles not included. Set of 2
Italian Renaissance Cherub
After a long day of spreading good cheer, this chubby little cherub takes a moment to enjoy a wholesome snack of plump, juicy grapes! Tenderly rendered in glossy white porcelain. 10" x 6 1/2"
x 7 3/4"
Joanna Gamble of Virginia
Boutique and Gift Shop
This page was last updated on: March 13, 2009
