Stories from the Old Testament, lower register (1835/1865) by Bertini workshopVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
The Bible is populated by angelic figures, messengers of God and a bridge between heaven and earth.
Stories from the Old Testament (1835/1838) by Bertini workshopVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Angels often appear in dreams, or in more desperate situations, they guide characters from the Sacred Scriptures towards illumination and salvation.
Stories from the New Testament (last quarter of the 15th century-first half of the 16th century) by Niccolò da Varallo, Antonio da Pandino, Cristoforo De Mottis, Agostino De Mottis, Vincenzo Foppa, Pietro da VelateVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
They engage with the lives of men, and act as intercessors, necessary intermediaries for God's intervention in the history of mankind. Among the vigilant angels—or archangels— Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael stand out; more secluded Uriele
The Battle between Saint Michael and the Demons (1939 - 1947) by Giovanni BuffaVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Each of them carries out a specific mission: Michael is chief of all angels, and as such is the protector of Israel.
Stories from the New Testament, lower register (1838 - second half of the 19th century) by Bertini workshopVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Gabriel—"God is my strength"—is an interpreter angel and leader of the divine armies.
Stories from the New Testament (1838 - second half of the 19th century) by Bertini workshopVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
While Raphael—"God heals"—is in charge of healing.
Stories from the Old Testament (1835/1838) by Bertini workshopVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
The term Angel derives from the Latin angelus, indicating a messenger. Although angels in the Bible are also bearers of solace, like for the prophet Elijah in the desert, who was rescued by an angel with bread and water.
Stories of Saint Catherine of Alexandria (1556; 19th century (remakes)) by Corrado de MochisVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Artists in all ages have been tested by the daunting and challenging task of depicting these ethereal figures.
Stories from the New Testament (last quarter of the 15th century-first half of the 16th century) by Niccolò da Varallo, Antonio da Pandino, Cristoforo De Mottis, Agostino De Mottis, Vincenzo Foppa, Pietro da VelateVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Infinite are the episodes of the Bible in which one of their interventions stands out, among these Angels accompanied the Holy Family during their flight into Egypt… like two guiding sentinels.
The Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and announced the coming of Jesus to her.
The women and men of the Bible - sometimes frightened by the brightness and the message of these angelic figures - just have to listen to them, trust them.
Stained-glass window of the Apocalypse (1416-1482; 1834-1838) by Stefano da Pandino, Maffiolo da Cremona, Franceschino Zavattari, Giovanni Recalcado, Cristoforo de’ Mottis, Michelino da Besozzo (?), Niccolò da Varallo, Stefano da Marliano, Battista da Legnano, Stefano Bergognone dal Furno, Giorgio d’Anversa, Giovanni Battista BertiniVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Angels populate depictions of the Apocalypse, and thus invade the large window 20 of the apse of the Duomo, dedicated to the story of the apostle John.
Sometimes they are "avenging angels" with flaming eyes
at other times they are sketched by artists as winged messengers and helpers of humans: without their presence the biblical narrative would be devoid of a dimension that looks towards the sky.
Read more on Milan Cathedral Remixed.
