A group of angels embracing in flight, framed by clouds, after Reni 1595 - 1645

This is an engraving of a group of angels embracing in flight framed by clouds, after Guido Reni, made by an anonymous artist at an unknown date. Angels as a subject are common in Christian art, where they are often seen as messengers of God, and in this image, the cherubic figures floating amongst the clouds are an obvious invocation of the divine. This work is an interpretation of Reni, who himself was working within the parameters of baroque idealism. But what does it mean to copy? The role of the copyist is an interesting one. In art academies of the 18th and 19th centuries, copying the works of old masters was standard practice. Reproductions were an important part of the art market and were more accessible for those who could not afford original artworks. When studying art history, we look at the institutional context in which it was made, as well as the cultural and economic factors that shaped the artist's production. Using sources such as period documents and market analysis, we can interpret how art reflects and engages with social norms.