Angels, Guardian Angel 

Palma il Giovane sketched this drawing of angels, likely in preparation for a larger composition, sometime before his death in 1628. Here, we see a celestial hierarchy, with God the Father enthroned above, attended by angels, one of whom guides a soul towards the heavens. The figure of the angel, derived from classical winged victories, has been a recurring motif throughout art history, symbolizing divine intervention and protection. Consider how the angel's form has been reinterpreted—from the powerful, armored figures of the early Renaissance to the more ethereal, androgynous beings of the Baroque era. Think of the Winged Victory of Samothrace and its emotive wings as gestures of triumph and how its symbolism lives on. Here, the angel’s protective gesture resonates deeply, tapping into our collective longing for safety. The image serves as a potent reminder of how symbols evolve, carrying layers of meaning across time.