Jan Saenredam (Dutch, c. 1565–1607)
Annunciation to the Shepherds, 1599
Engraving
Radiant light emanating from a celestial figure or the heavens has long been one of the clearest ways to suggest divinity in art. Artists seeking to convey the power and favor of God through visible means often use angels and heavenly light. This offers inspiring imagery in order for humans to connect with the divine. Often, these concepts are joined so that we see angels bearing and emanating such light themselves, conveying their connection to God, and God’s intentions for humankind.
Angels are important figures in Christian, Hebrew and Islamic theology. The word “angel” is derived from the Greek angelos, meaning messenger. Through the centuries, artists have portrayed angels in myriad ways. Scriptural stories mentioning angels offer rich, specific tales to be told in art.
Visual and metaphorical representations of divine light have also been fundamentally important in Christian art since its origins. Sheets of flattened divine light striking toward earth show us moments of celestial inspiration, conversion, or messages. The halo is an area of light painted or drawn behind the heads of divine or sacred persons to identify their holiness. These metaphorical representations of light commonly adorn angels, saints, and the Holy Family.