Jar c. 1953

Frank Fumagalli painted this simple jar using watercolor and graphite, featuring a central motif of a winged figure on its body. The angel, a symbol deeply rooted in Judeo-Christian traditions, serves as a protector. In this humble, everyday object, the angel embodies more than religious iconography; it weaves a sense of safety into the domestic sphere. Consider the ancient Greek figure of Nike, the winged goddess of victory, whose image propelled warriors into battle and adorned their shields, much like this angel. Over time, wings have transcended their initial association with divinity, manifesting as a human desire to rise above the earthly. The angel—as it appears here—reiterates how symbols evolve and adapt, embedding themselves in our collective psyche. It serves as a reminder of our timeless yearning for protection.