Angel Gabriel

When painted on wood or canvas, angels were usually included in groups; it is less common for them to appear alone in pictorial representations. This painting in 16th century style, may be considered an exception. It shows an angel in a long red robe, with a rounded neckline, over which a decorated fringed tunicle is worn. The cloak falls in elegant folds supported by the arms and with the hands crossed in front. The large wings of coloured feathers are not unlike those associated with the Archangel Gabriel, who stands at the top of the angelic hierarchy and is always shown in pictures of the Annunciation.