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 phase later 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.

Of the four sculptures, the one shown here differs from the
others in the vivid definition of the limbs and more marked plasticism. Its
more "modern" tone has suggested that it was not carved by Francesco
Solari himself, but by the young Amadeo, still an apprentice in his master's
workshop.