Angelus Bookends Value Guide

These antique Angelus bookends, produced in the United States between 1920 and 1940, are highly collectible tributes to Jean-François Millet's 1859 masterpiece. They represent a significant era in American home decor where classical art and themes of rural piety were miniaturized for the domestic library.

What Is Angelus Bookends Worth?

The typical price range for Angelus Bookends is $150 - $200 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The preservation of the original bronze finish, as excessive wear or rust to the cast iron reduces market price.
• The presence of a complete matching pair, which is essential for reaching the $150-$200 value range.
• The crispness of the casting detail, particularly in the facial expressions and the textures of the field.
• Historical provenance or the presence of original felt padding on the undersides to protect furniture.

How to Identify Angelus Bookends?

• Check for the heavy weight characteristic of solid cast iron construction from the early 20th century.
• Look for the distinct bronze-wash finish over the base metal, which should show natural age-related patina.
• Verify the detailed relief depicting two peasants bowing their heads in prayer, mirroring Millet's original composition.
• Examine the base for potential foundry marks or 'Made in USA' stamps common for the 1920-1940 period.

History of Angelus Bookends

These bookends are inspired by Jean-François Millet's iconic 1859 painting 'The Angelus,' which depicts two peasants bowing in a field at dusk to pray the Angelus, a traditional Catholic devotion. The painting gained immense popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, leading to its reproduction in various forms, including these decorative bookends. They were a popular item for libraries and studies, reflecting a period of appreciation for classical art and themes of rural life and piety.