Statuette of the Announcing Angel Ivory Height of the sculpture: 37 cm Total height (including plinth): 48 cm Indo-Portuguese art, 17th century Carved, standing on a stylised, coiled cloud, the figure is nude, with a draped scarf passing over the shoulder and falling down the side. The wings are spread wide, their plumage finely detailed with incisions. The head, with curly hair, is turned to one side; the right arm is raised in a gesture of acclamation or triumph, whilst the left arm is lowered and the hand open. An unfurled scroll (phylactery) accompanies the figure at hip level. The raised arm, together with the scroll, points towards a Gloria or Annunciation angel (the scroll often bore an inscription such as ‘Gloria in excelsis Deo’), presumably part of a larger devotional ensemble (Nativity, Calvary or altarpiece). An Indo-Portuguese 17th-century ivory Angel of the Annunciation.