It
is hard to believe that angels ruled the universe, that they
controlled gravity, could move the stars and the moons, that
they could guard and protect us, or trick and deceive us. But
there was a time when people thought it so, and described visitations
by these celestial beings in elaborate words and vivid images.
We have inherited the artistic legacy, one full of contradictions
and repetitions, myth and magic. Following the path which angels
have traveled is difficult yet rewarding, taking us on many
rich diversions along the way. The word 'angel' gives us a
clue to its meaning. Derived from the Greek angelos, it meant
'shadow side of God', 'messenger', or 'revealer of truth'.
Born before humans, angels are superior to them in intelligence
and status. Angels were given free will by God, those who
chose good were given a state of eternal grace, those who chose
evil found themselves cast out of heaven into Hell. Angels
have appeared in many religions, philosophies as well as classical
mythology.
To make sense of all this clearer, we should consider the hierarchy
to which angels are said to adhere. Although there are discrepancies
between the theories pronounced, the general belief seems to be
that angels exist within three heavenly zones.
In the highest reside Seraphim,
Cherubim and Thrones. They are in direct contact with God. Cherubim
have a single pair of blue wings, are often dressed in bishop's
robes and are relaters of knowledge. Seraphim have three pairs
of red wings, four heads and carry flame-like swords. They emanate
divine love. The Thrones are multi-eyed chariots or wheels which
transport God's message. These angels are never in direct communication
with humanity, they pass God's word to the second level, to the
Powers and Virtues.
The Dominions, or Powers and Virtues,
are the managers of all of the angels in heaven, and they guard
the pearly gates. They communicate all messages from the first
triad to the third, are hugely courageous and are often called
brilliant or shining, like stars. They adhere to many a description
of heavenly angels in their whiteness, brighter than any white
known on earth. They can be good or evil, however, and one of their
jobs is to be the balancing of souls, the attempt to reconcile
good and evil within mankind. These angels are said to be ruled
by the Archangels, who exist in the third triad with the multitude
of angels who filter God's message down to humanity.
Who the Archangels are is hard to
define, but for our purposes only six are really important, Gabriel,
Michael, Metraton, Raphael, Uriel, and Satanel, all of whom make
regular appearance in Western art.
Metraton is often cited as the most important Archangel, the closest
to God and the King of Angels, and one who seems to exist within
many guises.
Michael himself is a far more substantial
character than Metraton. As ruler of Israel, he is protector of
God's Holy Land. He is also the judge of souls and leads them into
heaven. He is said to have lead the war against Satan when he rebelled
in the Kingdom of Heaven, and is God's personal bodyguard.
Michaels most startling characteristics
are visual ones, making him a favourite subject for painters of
religious scenes. He is always ready for battle, so often appears
in soldier's armour. His wings are significant in that they are
made from peacock feathers. This has created many a myth.
Gabriel is the only Archangel often
depicted as a female. Gabriel was first mentioned 500 years before
Michael and she is as central to Islam as to Christianity. She
told Daniel of the coming of the Messiah, Zacharias of the arrival
of St. John the Baptist. When she appeared before Mohammed and
revealed the Koran her wings stretched from east to west across
the world. Most importantly to Christians, Gabriel told Mary of
the Annunciation. Gabriel has saffron hair, yellow feet and jade
green wings. She is often adorned with rubies and coral. In Islam
the words, 'There is no God but God, and Mohammed is the prophet
of God' are emblazoned between her eyes. Often the easiest way
to spot the Archangel Gabriel in religious art is to look for the
white lily, the angel holding it will be her. It is the symbol
of perpetual purity, chastity and grace and she gave it to Mary
at the Annunciation.
Archangel Raphael is the healer of humans and the doctor of angels.
He guards the Tree of Life and is usually shown with six wings.
We know what Satan symbolizes, but it is worth considering that
he was not always a rebel angel and that he did have a role to
play in Heaven before he incited revolt. If angels are like Satan,
they are capable of evil.
As well as the Archangels, the third triad contains the angels
who communicate directly with humans. They are most human in their
appearance and are vulnerable to misadventure.
The final angel we must mention is also the most chilling: the
Angel of Death, who draws the soul out and steals it away. He is
called Azrael. In classical mythology he has four faces and four
pairs of wings, and his body is covered with eyes. It is said that
when one blinks, a soul dies.
In painting, the characteristics of all these angels are not always
reproduced as described above. Cultural and social context and
the change in artistic intentions over the centuries have affected
the way in which angels have been depicted.
Cherubs are a classic example of
this change. Originally they were seen as terrifying creatures,
vile in appearance with many heads and bodies, who stood at the
entrance to Paradise and guarded celestial palaces and kingdoms.
But as time passed their appearance has altered and become fixed
in its Renaissance state, that of curly-haired babies with wings,
musical instruments, the occasional bow and arrow. About the only
suggestion of their more formidable past is apparent in their sometimes
devilish expressions.
From The Art of Angels and Cherubs by Miranda Fellows |
