Angels are a common element in sculptures. You may have seen angel statues of different shapes and materials in different places. Do you know their differences and the stories behind them? Whether it is marble, bronze or stainless steel, there is an artist’s creative purpose and meaning behind every sculpture. Today, I will introduce to you 11 famous angel statues and the meanings behind them.
1.The Angel with the Cross in Rome, Italy
The Angel with the Cross statue has deep historical and religious significance and is located atop Castel Sant’Angelo, a towering fortress originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman emperor Hadrian. The angel in the statue holds a cross, which represents God’s protection and guidance for the city of Rome and its residents, and symbolizes God’s guidance and intervention in Roman affairs. It bears witness to the city’s historical development, the strength of papal authority and the enduring faith of its people.
2.The Statue of an Angel , Michelangelo
The Statue of an Angel is one of Michelangelo’s most underrated three-dimensional works of art, completed in 1495 early in Michelangelo’s career. The sculpture is carved from marble and measures 6 feet in height from the base of the base to the top. The sculpture depicts a winged angel kneeling, clutching a large menorah, and the overall depiction of a strong young man with eagle wings. Today, this iconic masterpiece is displayed in the Basilica of San Domenico in Italy.
3.Angel with the Crown of Thorns, Berini
This is one of Berini’s most famous marble works. It is said that Angel with the Crown of Thorns depicts the scene when an angel removed the crown of thorns from Jesus’ head after his death on the cross. This superb sculpture was sculpted by Berini in 1667, and the long, flowing garments worn by the angels are so lifelike that they almost appear to be draped over the work itself.
4.Angel with the Superscription, Berini
Another marble angel statue by Berini also demonstrates his amazing sculpting skills. Most of his greatest works center on angels from various historical and religious stories. Like the Angel with the Crown of Thorns, the angel statue holds an object related to the Passion of Christ. The statue depicts an elegant angel with the symbol of the cross crucified above Jesus, and is said to be inscribed with the words “Jesus of Nazreh, King of the Jews.”
5.Habakkuk and the Angel, Berini
Completed in 1661 and located in the Church of Chigi in Rome, Italy, Habakkuk and the Angel is based on a story in Daniel 14. There is much debate as to the authenticity of this story, but Bernini perfectly captured this scene. The statue depicts an angel pulling the prophet’s hair, guiding him in the direction of Daniel, who was imprisoned in the lion’s den. The Prophet is depicted as a bearded, older but still strong man.
6.Archangel Michael
Archangel Michael is known in religious traditions as a powerful and courageous celestial being and is depicted in numerous statues from different cultures and periods. These angel statues embody the essence of his role as protector, warrior and leader. In numerous sculptures he is depicted in a ferocious pose wielding a sword or spear. This representation symbolizes his role as a warrior against evil and darkness.
7.Angel of Grief , William Wetmore Story
Angel of Grie is a sculpture created by William Wetmore Story in 1894 for the grave of his wife Emelyn Story in Rome’s Protestant Cemetery. This was Story’s last important work before his death. Story was so devastated by his wife’s death that he lost interest in sculpture creation, but he was encouraged and inspired by his children to create this monument. . Today, many people also choose this marble sculpture as a tombstone for their loved ones.
8.The Recording Angel, Lorado Taft
The Recording Angel is located in Forest Hills Cemetery in Waupun, Wisconsin. It was created by Lorado Taft in 1923 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. This famous bronze angel statue depicts a winged angel with a large book spread out on his lap: a recording angel appointed by God to record everyone’s events, actions and prayers. It seems that this angel can listen to the sincere prayers of every loved one and bless the departed people to reach heaven smoothly.
9.Angel of Independence, Antonio Rivas Mercado
The Angel of Independence is arguably one of the most iconic angel statues in the world. It was created by Antonio Rivas Mercado in 1910 and now stands atop the Victory Column in the middle of the roundabout on the main avenue of Reforma Avenue in the center of Mexico City. The Angel of Independence commemorates the centenary of the outbreak of the Mexican War of Independence. It is made of bronze, covered with 24k gold, and weighs 7 tons. As we all know, the laurel wreath held aloft in the angel’s right hand represents Miguel Hidalgo’s head and the country below, symbolizing victory, while her left hand holds a broken three-link chain, symbolizing freedom from the shackles of three centuries.
10.Angel of the North, Anthony Gormely
Angel of the North by Anthony Gormely is one of the largest statues ever found on Earth. Located near the towns of Gateshead, Tyne and Wear in northern England, this massive, abstract, winged angel statue has a wide range of shapes for miles around. All visible. The angel sculpture is made of corten steel, which gives the sculpture a unique color. At 20 meters (66 feet) tall and with a wingspan of 54 meters (177 feet), it is larger than a Boeing 757 aircraft.
11.Knife Angel – Alfie Bradley
The Knife Angel can be called one of the most unique angel statues. It is approximately 27 feet tall and was created by Alfie Bradley. Alfie designed and created it first-hand using over 100,000 knives surrendered and collected during the 2015/2016 National Amnesty. Knife Angel is the National Memorial to Violence and Aggression at the British Steel Center in Oswestry and commemorates those whose lives have been affected by knife crime.
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