Cherub figurines add an air of elegance and romance, whether placed in the garden or as decorative accents throughout your home. Their Victorian aesthetic works particularly well among traditional decor.

Cherubs are angels in the Hebrew hierarchy that sit just beneath seraphims and thrones. These quadrupedal creatures feature wings that meet in the back.

Characteristics

Cherubim are celestial winged beings found throughout Jewish, Christian and Islamic literature that serve as God's throne bearers. First appearing in the Bible as guardians of Eden Garden in Genesis 3, Cherubim can often be depicted with pleasant expressions on their faces.

Cherubs have traditionally been depicted as four-legged figures with backward-facing wings; this may have been how ancient Israelites saw cherubim, yet Ezekiel described them with cloven feet and four heads, an image which differs substantially.

Collectors can browse a selection of antique cherub figurines on 1stDibs to add whimsical charm to their space, including Rococo and Art Nouveau designs that add character and delight. Prices of these figurines depend on size, age and other characteristics - starting at $160 up to an astounding maximum price of over $11,350; an average cherub figurine costs approximately $3,152.

Origins

Cherubs have been popular since Ancient Rome; however, during the Renaissance when Europeans began rediscovering classical philosophy, literature and art. Artists like Donatello and Raphael took the putto, an image depicting a naked little boy with wings, to new levels of popularity. Cherub is actually a contraction of Hebrew's cherubim meaning child-like features of cherubim - while another midrashic folk etymology links this Hebrew term with Akkadian's karabu which means "to bless".

The Book of Ezekiel regularly mentions cherubim, or creatures known as cherubs in Hebrew, which carry God's throne. With four faces representing man, lion, ox and eagle - such cherubs appear almost human-sized when depicted; however, in Western art these figures appear much smaller due to them likely having once been depicted more as half-naked babies rather than fierce winged guardians who carried God's throne!

Symbolism

Cherubs or putti represent both childhood joy and the purity of love, providing lighthearted warmth to any space they inhabit. In Renaissance Europe when people rediscover ancient philosophy and literature, cherubim were frequently depicted as beautiful children bringing lightness into society.

In the Bible, two cherubim adorn the Ark and temple furniture. Cherubim refers to an order of angels that combine human, animal, or bird-like characteristics (Exodus 25:18-21).

Sculptors have depicted cherubs reclining on couches and beds. One such depiction shows two cherubs inspecting a globe while another holds an arrangement of fruit or flowers. Cherubim can also be found in funereal monuments as winged babies; their less intimidating images make them suitable choices for home decor that emphasize romance compared to angels depicted by scripture. Typically associated with romance are images featuring Cupid that feature alongside them in art works depicting them.

Meaning

Cherubs, much like their Roman counterpart, Cupid, are symbols of romantic love. These childish figures evoke feelings of peace and lightness and are popularly depicted on everything from corbels to architectural sculpture.

They're an iconic feature on Raphael's Sistine Madonna, and their symbolism extends far beyond that painting - they even serve as a Valentine's Day reminder!

Biblical references of cherubim may differ slightly from their artistic depictions, yet they still make an attractive addition to any home. At 1stDibs, you can find a wide selection of distinct cherub figurines that embody their spirit - choose from pieces dating back as far as 18th Century alongside works by Rococo designers and Art Nouveau artists - that will add an element of fun and whimsicality into any room you inhabit or give as gifts on any special occasion. Our collection of Cherub Figurines can add charm while making great additions - find something special here today!