Guardian Angel c. 17th century

Editor: This is Giulio Carpioni's "Guardian Angel," a drawing residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It feels both delicate and urgent, doesn’t it? All those quick, scratchy lines. What do you make of the angel's gesture? Curator: It's a pointing, isn't it? Like she's saying, "Not that way, darling." Or perhaps "Look, potential!" Carpioni always had a way of making the spiritual feel so… immediate, so human. It’s not a grand, celestial pronouncement, is it? It’s a guiding hand, a whispered direction. Editor: So, less heavenly decree, more… friendly advice? Curator: Exactly! He captures that intimate protection, that quiet encouragement we all crave, really. It’s a lovely thought, isn’t it? Someone always pointing you in the right direction, if you just listen. Editor: I hadn’t considered that, but that's a wonderful interpretation. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!