cherubim

The cherubim (singular: cherub) are one of the ranks of angels in the Judeo-Christian tradition. They are mentioned several times in the Old Testament as winged creatures (Genesis 3: 24; Exod. 25: 17-22; 1 Kings 6: 23-29, 7:28, 32, 35-36, 8: 6-7; Ezek. 41:18-20, 25). The cherubim have been depicted in art as children with wings around their heads or as winged heads without bodies. See also: putto, seraphim.

Andrea Mantegna. Madonna of the Cherubim. Tempera on wood. Ca. 1485. Pinacoteca di Brera, Milan, Italy.