How to Draw Angels, part I
How to Draw Angels, part II
How to Draw Angels, part III
How to Draw Angels, part IV
The Symbolic Language of Angels.
In previous posts I mentioned some of the attributes common to all angels as they are portrayed in religious art.
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| Burne Jone “The Annunciation” (detail) |
Beardless/Genderless – They are spiritual creatures, not glorified humans.
Winged – They are associated with things of Heaven.
Sometimes Barefoot – They are not creatures of the earth.
In addition depictions of angels, and archangels in particular, may include:
Lance/Spear/Staff – To show their authority as God’s messengers.
Hairband or Ribbons – Frequently angels are shown with a type of band or ribbon that seems to hold back their hair, the ends of the band usually sweep out from the area around their ears, this tells us that they always hear the voice of God.
Diskos – Sometimes they will hold a transparent disk which bears a monogram of the name of Christ to remind us that the angels should not be the object of our attention because they always point to Christ.
Wind blown Garments – Their garments or the ribbons of the hairband may appear to be blown about by an unseen wind in order to alert us to the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Tradition has also attributed specific elements to the archangels mentioned in the Bible.
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| St. Gabriel – Messenger ©Lawrence Klimecki |
Michael – As prince of the heavenly host, Saint Michael may be portrayed in armor and his staff of authority may be replaced by a spear or sword. He sometimes carries a pair of balances or scales which connect us to his traditional role of weighing souls on Judgment Day at the Savior’s command. He may also be shown treading the devil underfoot, who is shown as a demon or a dragon.
Gabriel – As the messenger of the Annunciation Saint Gabriel carries symbols that associate him with the Blessed Virgin, such as a lily, a scepter, a palm branch, an olive branch, or a shield depicting the Virgin. As the angel of the Day of Judgment he may also carry a trumpet or horn.
Raphael – Saint Raphael, as the companion of Tobias on his journeys, is frequently depicted with elements associated with pilgrims, a pilgrims staff, a gourd, a wallet, and sometimes a scallop shell. He may also be shown with a fish which alludes to an incident in the Book of Tobit and reminds us that “God Heals.”
One of our greatest sources for understanding Christian symbolism is the book “Church Symbolism” by F.R. Webber with an introduction by Ralph Adams Cram. Originally published in 1927.
Webber notes that angels may carry the following objects and offers explanations as to their meaning.
Censer or Thurible – A symbol of the adoration they offer to God.
Musical Instruments – The praises they sing to God.
Palm or Olive Branch – Victory or peace.
Laurel Wreath – The arts in service to Christianity.
Oak Wreath – Strength.
A Wreath of Yew Leaves – Immortality.
A wreath of Cypress Leaves – Mourning.
A Lily – Purity, virginity, or the Annunciation.
A Flaming Sword – God’s Judgment
A Blunted Sword – Justice and mercy.
A Sharpened Sword – Judgment
Kneeling, Hands in Prayer, Looking Upward – Heavenly Intercession.
Kneeling, Hands in Prayer, Looking Downward – Prayer.
Kneeling before the Equilateral Triangle of the Holy Trinity – Adoration
Right Hand Extended, Palm Open – Guardianship of human beings.