Torchbearing angel

Conserved today in the Museum are the four "torchbearing
angels" from the crossing of Ca' Granda, the ancient Spedale dei Poveri –
currently seat of the University of Milan - founded by Francesco Sforza in 1456
and designed by Filarete. Attributed
to Francesco Solari, the four sculptures belong to a later phase than that of
Filarete, when the construction site had already been entrusted to Guiniforte Solari,
brother of Francesco and prominent member of that family of sculptors and
architects from Ticino particularly active during the Sforza dynasty. The angel’s hair with its thick, tight
curls held in a diadem is in late Gothic style, while the modelling of the
garments is more sober.