Beschermengel Raphael leidt Tobias aan hand 1500 - 1575

Editor: This print, likely made sometime between 1500 and 1575 by an anonymous artist, is titled *Beschermengel Raphael leidt Tobias aan hand,* or *Guardian Angel Raphael Leads Tobias by the Hand.* It depicts the angel leading a child. It strikes me as quite simple and straightforward. What can you tell us about the significance of the figures depicted here? Curator: Well, first, consider the cultural weight of this imagery at the time. Angels, especially guardian angels, weren't simply celestial beings; they were active participants in daily life. This is Raphael, an archangel often associated with healing and guidance, leading Tobias, a figure from the Book of Tobit. Editor: And who was Tobias? Curator: Tobias' story is one of faith and perseverance. Guided by Raphael, he undertakes a journey to retrieve money and cure his father's blindness. So, this print isn’t just a depiction of an angel and a child. It’s a visual representation of divine intervention, a promise of safety and restoration for the faithful. Notice how Raphael’s hand gently yet firmly guides Tobias, underscoring this protective element. What feeling does that protective stance evoke for you? Editor: It does make me think of vulnerability. Curator: Precisely. Think of the world then – uncertainty, disease. This image provided comfort. And observe the engraver's skill. See how the lines create depth and shadow, giving the figures a palpable presence. Editor: I never considered the need to find comfort or the desire to connect with religious figures depicted in the image, it has helped give the print so much more meaning to me. Thank you for illuminating those details! Curator: Indeed, it's through understanding these symbols and their cultural context that the emotional power of these images truly resonates across the centuries.