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 Menshikov church of 1717-1720s. 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 candelabra 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.