Caproni Brothers “Angel Head” Plaster Artists’ Cast

Circa 1914 “Angel Head” plaster cast from the Caproni Brothers of Boston, MA.

Founded in the late 19th century, Caproni Brothers (still in existence) was perhaps the largest producer of sculptural plaster casts. That work was not limited to small casts like this one (for artistic study and practice), it also included full size replicas of classical temple reliefs (think Parthenon) and sculptures for its museum clientele.

Again in production, “Angel Head” is described on their website as follows: “Fragment from the relief of the ‘Assumption of the Virgin’ over the Porta Mandorla, one of the doors of the Duomo Cathedral…” Nanni d’Antonio di Banco, 15th century.

Stamped model number on underside matches that in the 1914 catalog.