Rolovx Bronze Book Stand Angels 1926 - Art Deco Sacred Dona Nobis Pacem

A Magnificent Signed Bronze Book Stand Featuring 2 Golden Patinated Genuflecting Angels Above Clouds, Signed Rolovx (1926)

An extraordinary and museum-quality Art Deco bronze book stand featuring two genuflecting angels with golden patination positioned on either side of a mock book inscribed with the sacred Latin phrase 'Dona Nobis Pacem' (Grant Us Peace). Signed 'Rolovx' and dated 1926, this substantial piece (17 kg) exemplifies the Art Deco period's sophisticated approach to sacred art, combining modernist aesthetics with religious devotion. In like-new condition, this rare signed bronze represents an exceptional acquisition for collectors of Art Deco bronzes, sacred art, or functional sculpture.

Rolovx - Art Deco Bronze Artist

Rolovx represents an Art Deco period bronze artist whose work demonstrates the era's distinctive aesthetic - streamlined forms, geometric elements, and sophisticated patination combined with traditional subjects. The 1926 date places this work during the height of the Art Deco movement (roughly 1920-1939), when decorative arts achieved unprecedented sophistication and when artists successfully merged modernist sensibilities with functional objects. Signed and dated bronzes from this period by documented artists are highly sought after by collectors of Art Deco decorative arts.

1926 Dating - Art Deco Height

The 1926 date places this book stand during the Art Deco movement's peak, between the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes in Paris (which gave the movement its name) and the 1929 stock market crash. This period saw tremendous creativity in decorative arts, with artists creating works that combined beauty, function, and modern aesthetics. Bronzes from this era document the period's artistic achievements and remain highly collectible nearly a century later.

Genuflecting Angels - Sacred Imagery

The two genuflecting (kneeling) angels positioned on either side of the book demonstrate reverence and devotion, traditional poses in Christian iconography. Angels, as messengers between divine and human realms, appear throughout Christian art as symbols of protection, worship, and divine presence. The genuflecting pose emphasizes humility and prayer, making this book stand particularly appropriate for sacred texts or devotional use. The angels' positioning creates balanced, symmetrical composition characteristic of Art Deco design.

'Dona Nobis Pacem' - Sacred Inscription

The Latin inscription 'Dona Nobis Pacem' (Grant Us Peace) comes from the Agnus Dei section of the Catholic Mass, a prayer asking for divine peace. This phrase carries profound significance, particularly in 1926 when Europe was recovering from World War I's devastation and seeking lasting peace. The inscription transforms the book stand from mere functional object into devotional piece and peace symbol. The trilingual reference (Latin, English, Maltese: 'ghatina l-paci') suggests Maltese provenance or connection.

Golden Patination - Technical Excellence

The angels' golden patination demonstrates sophisticated bronze finishing techniques. Patination - the colored surface achieved through chemical treatments - requires exceptional skill to achieve consistent, beautiful results. The golden color enhances the angels' celestial character while creating visual warmth and luxury. The contrast between the golden angels and the bronze book creates visual interest while the patina's preservation in like-new condition after nearly 100 years testifies to quality materials and craftsmanship.

Angels Above Clouds - Heavenly Imagery

The angels' positioning above clouds reinforces their celestial nature and creates the impression of heavenly realm. Clouds in religious art traditionally separate earthly and divine spheres, suggesting transcendence and spiritual elevation. This compositional choice adds theological depth while creating sculptural interest through the clouds' three-dimensional modeling. The imagery transforms a functional book stand into meditation on divine presence and peace.

Book Stand Function - Practical Beauty

As a book stand, this piece serves practical purpose - displaying and supporting books at comfortable reading angle while protecting valuable volumes. The substantial weight (17 kg) ensures stability for large books while the bronze construction guarantees durability. The piece works beautifully for sacred texts (Bibles, prayer books, liturgical volumes), rare books, family Bibles, or simply as sculptural object. This combination of beauty and function exemplifies Art Deco's integration of aesthetics and utility.

Art Deco Sacred Art

This book stand exemplifies Art Deco sacred art - a fascinating intersection of modernist aesthetics and religious devotion. While Art Deco is often associated with secular luxury and modernity, the movement also produced significant sacred art combining traditional religious imagery with contemporary design sensibilities. This synthesis created works that honored religious tradition while speaking in modern visual language, appealing to both devotional and aesthetic sensibilities.

Substantial Weight - Quality Construction

The 17 kg weight indicates solid bronze construction rather than hollow casting, demonstrating commitment to quality and permanence. Substantial weight ensures stability, creates impressive presence, and indicates the bronze's value. The weight also suggests lost-wax casting or other quality bronze techniques requiring significant material investment. This substantial construction ensures the piece will endure for generations.

Like-New Condition - Exceptional Preservation

The like-new condition after nearly 100 years represents extraordinary preservation. For bronze sculpture, condition dramatically affects value - the patination's preservation, absence of damage, and overall integrity all contribute to desirability. This exceptional condition allows the golden patination, sculptural details, and inscription to be appreciated as Rolovx intended, while enhancing both aesthetic appeal and investment value.

Investment Value and Collectibility

Signed and dated Art Deco bronzes, particularly those combining sacred subjects with functional design, represent solid investment opportunities. The combination of Rolovx signature, 1926 date, sacred subject matter, golden patination, substantial size, and like-new condition creates strong appeal among collectors of Art Deco bronzes, sacred art, and functional sculpture. As authentic period bronzes become scarcer and appreciation for Art Deco continues, quality signed examples show consistent market appreciation.

Sacred and Devotional Context

This book stand serves beautifully in religious contexts - churches, chapels, private prayer spaces, or homes where sacred art enhances spiritual life. The 'Dona Nobis Pacem' inscription and genuflecting angels create appropriate atmosphere for displaying sacred texts or facilitating devotional reading. The piece's beauty and craftsmanship honor the texts it supports while the peace prayer adds spiritual dimension to its functional purpose.

Display and Function

This book stand works beautifully in various settings - libraries, studies, chapels, formal living rooms, or anywhere fine books deserve elegant display. It can serve its intended function supporting books or stand as pure sculpture. The substantial weight requires stable surface but ensures the piece won't tip. The golden angels and sacred inscription make it particularly suitable for displaying religious texts, family Bibles, or treasured volumes.

Cultural and Historical Significance

This book stand embodies Art Deco's sophisticated aesthetics, the 1920s' complex relationship with tradition and modernity, and the period's yearning for peace following World War I. The 'Dona Nobis Pacem' inscription resonates with the era's hopes for lasting peace, while the Art Deco styling demonstrates how modern design could honor traditional religious themes. The piece connects to broader cultural currents of its time while remaining relevant nearly a century later.

Collecting Context

This book stand appeals to collectors of Art Deco bronzes, sacred art, functional sculpture, signed period bronzes, and those seeking works combining beauty, meaning, and utility. It would enhance private collections, ecclesiastical settings, libraries, or serve as centerpiece in collections focused on Art Deco decorative arts or sacred sculpture.

Available for viewing by appointment at Artemisia Fine Arts & Antiques Ltd, Malta. We provide expert consultation, authentication services, insurance valuation, and international shipping coordination with specialized bronze handlers. This signed Rolovx bronze book stand represents an exceptional acquisition opportunity. Serious inquiries welcome.