Angel Sealing the Servants of God (Study for the Anna, Margaret Sherman and Gertrude Van Dalfsen Memorial Window, Trinity Church, Buffalo, N.Y.) 1889

John La Farge created this study using graphite on paper for a memorial window at Trinity Church in Buffalo, New York. The composition is dominated by the figures of angels. In Christian iconography, they serve as intermediaries between heaven and earth, often depicted with wings to symbolize their divine mission. In this drawing, an angel is sealing the servants of God. This gesture echoes ancient sealing rituals, signifying protection and divine favor. We see this in ancient Near Eastern art where seals served to authenticate documents and protect property. Here, the act of sealing takes on a spiritual dimension, offering solace and reassurance. Consider the emotional weight of this image, it serves as a powerful reminder of faith and resilience. The symbol of the angel has persisted through time, embodying hope and transcendence across cultures.