Bernini, engaged by Pope Clement IX, carved the angels in 1667-1669, for the Ponte St. Angelo. These were part of the ten angels that Bernini designed for the bridge, but only these two were made by him, while the execution of the others were entrusted to his students. Fascinated by the beauty of the two sculptures, the Pope decided to leave two copies made by pupils on the bridge to be exposed to the elements.