Subscribe to our newsletter for our must-see exhibitions, artists, events and more here
Shop William Kentridge Prints here

Anguished Angel

Sydney Kumalo
Anguished Angel , 1973
bronze
Work: 96 x 38 x 33.5 cm

This particular form was realised in bronze as a unique work, commissioned by a European financier who had a home in Johannesburg for much of the 1970’s and 80’s. The bronze and a sepia drawing after the female figure was cast, returned to Europe with the collector in 1985.   The bronze Anguished Angel is a classic example of the great sculptor’s work. Its stance and standing support both reference the bible story of angels on the head of a pin. Its wings are diminished and folded while its arms are thrown up, but this is an anguished protest, not defeat and surrender and is one of a group of sculptures which echo this call to God to free his people and liberate South Africa. The bronze was cast in the Vignali Foundry in Pretoria North in 1973, exhibited at Goodman Gallery that year and sold from the exhibition to a private collector, it’s only prior owner. Anguished Angel has not been publicly exhibited since 1973.  cast 29 July 1973; one owner only, exhibited on Kumalo solo show at Goodman Gallery Hyde Square, in 1973, & sold September that year. Edition incomplete