The wooden figures of angels painted white over a gesso ground represent a rare example of Russian decorative plastic art from the first quarter of the 18th century. Originally the sculptures formed part of the decoration of the Menshikovs’ church of 1717–20. When the Grand Hall was being converted to serve as a church for the Cadet Corps in 1743–44 all the decoration that the Synod considered “unfit for churchly decorum” was removed with the exception of two candlesticks featuring figures of cupids that had wings added. The present Classical-style appearance of the pieces dates from 1768–85 when the Cadets’ church was enlarged and reworked in the spirit of the new era.