Standing angel seen from behind 1601 - 1661

Francesco Montelatici rendered this red chalk drawing of a standing angel in the 17th century. Consider the recurring symbol of the angel. With its winged form, it has long been a messenger between the divine and the earthly realms, a motif stretching back through Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Here, the angel is seen from behind, its wings mere sketches, its stance human. The arm is outstretched, suggesting a gesture of guidance or intervention, a call back to classical depictions of figures in oration. This motif of an angel is not static. It reappears throughout history, each time imbued with new cultural meanings, reflecting humanity’s evolving relationship with the divine. Like the ancient Greek god Hermes or the Roman Mercury, the angel becomes a visual shortcut to ideas of communication, protection, and divine will, a powerful force that resonates deeply within our collective memory.