Artwork

Angel

Angel is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1250 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work titled “Angel” is a painted wooden panel that resembles a carved figure. It depicts an adult figure with curly hair and a pale complexion, dressed in a simple robe marked by faded red and green patches, holding a small child whose garment bears a red heart motif. The surface shows age‑related wear, including chipped paint and softened edges, giving the piece a weathered appearance.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a protective adult embracing a child, a theme often associated with guardian or angelic figures in religious and folk traditions. The heart painted on the child’s robe may suggest affection or divine love, reinforcing the protective, nurturing interpretation of the scene.

Technique & Style

Executed in tempera or oil on a wooden support, the figure is rendered with a modest level of detail, emphasizing contour over realism. The limited palette of muted reds, greens, and flesh tones, together with the visible wear, points to a folk‑art aesthetic rather than a formal academic style.

History & Provenance

The panel is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection and is currently on display. The museum’s label identifies the work simply as “Angel,” though no further attribution or dating is provided in the available information.

Context

Works of this type—wooden figures painted to resemble sculptural forms—were common in devotional contexts and domestic settings in various cultures, serving as visual reminders of protection and spiritual guardianship.