Pictures of Christmas Angels, Some Beautiful Paintings and Images of Angels In Art
79The Angel Gabriel by Guido Reni
A Choir of Angels Sing
"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, / Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
I believe in angels. Don't ask me why. I'm not overly religious, and yet the idea of these gracious beings walking with us, unseen, smiling on our endeavours, lighting our path, and guiding us home in times of need, resonates on the deepest level. Of course I've never knowingly seen an angel, but that doesn't mean that I haven't been in the presence of one.
Throughout the ages mankind has reported encounters with these heavenly beings. We have a traditional image in our minds eye of tall, physically beautiful, winged angels, robed in white gowns. These are the angels of Christ's nativity, who greet the birth of the infant Jesus. Each year, in December, small children decked out in bed sheets with tinsel halos act out the part of angels as they re-tell the Christmas story in schools, in churches, and draughty public halls.
Angels have also been a favoured subject for artists and writers across the centuries, and this hub looks at some beautiful images of angels, from Christmas angels, to the Angel of the Annunciation, to Guardian angels and beyond, as well as including some great quotations from poets, philosophers and other writers.These angels aren't always robed in white, and sometimes they're not so physically imposing, but I like to think that they're always inspiring.
Enjoy!
The Guardian Angel by Henri Decaisne, 1836
An Angel to watch over us
'I wear a coat of angels' breath and warm myself with His love'. ~Emme Woodhull-Bäche
In this painting the infant sleeps securely in the arms of an angel, whilst his exhausted mother naps beside him, oblivious to the presence of a heavenly guardian. The artist Henri Decaisne (1799-1852) painted this popular image in 1832. I like the way that the angel casts his eyes towards heaven, whilst his left wing gently folds around the child's mother to include her in his embrace.
Angel by Abbott Thayer, 1889
On the wings of an angel
'The golden moments in the stream of life rush past us and we see nothing but sand; the angels come to visit us, and we only know them when they are gone.' ~George Elliot
Abbott Handerson Thayer (1849-1921) used his daughter Mary as the model for this striking portrait of an angel. Thayer was famed for his skills as a portrait artist, but in later life became famous for another quite surprising reason.Thayer is credited with doing much of the earliest work into the nature of camoflage, and his extensive research enabled him to write in detail about protective coloration in nature. He is sometimes referred to as the 'father of camoflage'.
The Angel by Sir Edward Burne-Jones, 1881
The sound of the clarion's call
'Music is well said to be the speech of angels'. ~Thomas Carlyle
Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones (1833-1898) painted many images of ethereal willowy beings, including quite a number of angels. He is closely associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement, and worked closely with William Morris to produce designs for stained glass church windows. Many well-known examples still exist.
Resurrection of Christ by Raphael, circa 1499-1502
Tidings of Great Joy I Bring
'Outside the open window
The morning air is all awash with angels.'
~Richard Purdy Wilbur
Raphael is one of the best known of the Renaissance masters, and his work features many light-hearted and joyful images of angels, including this one of an angel on the wing.
Detail from the LA Cathedral Mausoleum Stained Glass Window
In the city of angels
'You'll meet more angels on a winding path than on a straight one.' ~Daisey Verlaef
Originally created for the Cathedral of St Vibiana in the 1920s by Franz Borgias Mayer (1848-1926) this fantastic stained glass window now resides in the mauseleum of the Catholic cathedral in Los Angeles.
photo credit: Andreas Prafcke
The Annunciation by Philippe de Champaigne, 1644
Hark the herald angels sing!
'So in a voice, so in a shapeless flame, Angels affect us oft, and worshipped be' - John Donne (1571-1631)
Philippe de Champaigne (1602-1674) was a Flemish born artist of the French Baroque school. His paintings are mainly figurative, and are often of religious tableaux such as the one above. Mary looks suitably startled at the angelic vision before her, but she's clearly not frightened by her visitor, or by the accompanying chorus of cherubs above her head!
The Annunciation by Titian, 1520-1522
Titian's angel with a message
' I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.' ~Michelangelo
One of the shining stars of the Italian Renaissance, Titian was a Venetian artist of great versatility and skill. This angel carries a banner inscribed with Latin, and has a powerful and purposeful air about him.
Seventh Angel of the Apocalypse Proclaiming the Reign of The Lord, c.1180
More angelic music
'But men must know, that in this theatre of man's life, it is reserved only for God and angels to be lookers on.' - Francis Bacon (1561-1626)
I have included this very ancient image of an angel because I like the stylised image, and the simple but effective choice of colours. The Seven Angels of the Apocalypse are mentioned in the Book of Revelations. They are all given trumpets, then an angel with a golden censer goes to the altar and offers the prayers of the saints. That angel then takes fire from the altar, fills his censer with it, and hurls it down to the Earth initiatiing a series of earthquakes, accompanied by thunder, and lightning.
The Annunciation to the angels from Les Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry
Les Tres Riches Heures
'And yet, as angels in some brighter dreams, call to the soul when man doth sleep' - Henry Vaughan (1622-1695)
Les Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry is an illuminated manuscript which was commissioned around 1410, and was largely the work of the Limbourg Brothers. The manuscript is heavily illustrated throughout, and it's remarkable draughtsmanship and jewel bright colours, make it one of the most important works of art of the 15th century. This illustration shows the angels announcing the birth of Christ to the shepherds grazing their sheep on the hills above Bethlehem.
Do you believe in angels?
See results without votingAngels - Robbie Williams
In the Arms of an Angel by Sarah McLaughlin
|
VINTAGE 1922 VICTORIAN ART NOUVEAU CUPID FAIRY ANGEL WOMAN OLD PRINT PICTURE
Current Bid: $69.00
|
|
etude house Juicy Cocktail gradation nails 6 types /nail art
Current Bid: $9.70
|
|
1902-ANTIQUE PRINT-Bouguereau-Nude Wet Cupid-SHY Winged Angel-Love-Romance-Myth
Current Bid: $17.99
|
|
Rain Ririn Folk Art Angel 8x10 Canvas Giclee Print
Current Bid: $20.00
|
|
ANGEL ART STUDIO - IMPRESSIONISM - BARBIZON - ORIGINAL OIL PAINTING
Current Bid: $49.00
|
|
"SNOW FOLKS" Christmas Snowman Folk Art Angel Cross Stitch Pattern Leaflet Chart
Current Bid: $9.99
|
 | Amazon Price: $19.95 List Price: $19.98 |
 | Amazon Price: $15.29 List Price: $24.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $11.99 List Price: $35.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $2.18 List Price: $4.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $6.88 List Price: $19.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $0.99 |
- Do Guardian Angels Walk Among Us?
Do you wonder why perfect strangers enter your life at the times that they do? Is this a chance encounter or are guardian angels sent at specific times to guide and nurture us? - Some Old-Fashioned Christmas Paintings for Art Lovers this holiday
The Christmas holiday is a special, magical time of year, and the images in art that best conjure up that warm, cosy feeling of anticipation and celebration are often those... - A Venetian Romance, Venice in Art and Paintings,
The Doge's Palace by Pierre Auguste Renoir, 1887 I first fell in love with Venice on a hot, humid August day. I stumbled off the train with my rucksack and followed the noisy, crowds as they chattered and... - Equestrian Paintings and Drawings; Horse Racing and The Horse in Art
Whistlejacket by George Stubbs. Courtesy of Wiki Commons The horse has been man's friend, companion, transport, and helper since time immemorial, so it should come as no surprise that our cave-man ancestors... - A Portrait of Man's Best Friend - Dogs in Paintings and Art
Dogs have been man's faithful companions since the earliest of times, and their images have been recorded throughout the centuries. They have herded .our sheep, hunted hares and foxes for us, accompanied us on shooting expeditions, guarded us whilst - Degas' sculpture of The Little Dancer, and Ballet in Art and Paintings- An impression of light, musi
She was just 14 when Degas immortalised her in Bronze. Now she stands posed for all time, her slight and boyish form, poised and ready to dance. And here we are, standing before her on a sunny June day in Paris, wondering who she was, and what her li - Bridges, Aqueducts, and Roman Aqueducts in Art, Paintings, and Photography
Bridges are about unity and harmony. They exist as a geographical convenience, but also as a link between dreams and reality. The artists of the past knew this, and that is why paintings of bridges are so iconic, and it is also why I've found photos - The Cat Paintings of Louis Wain, and Other Great Pictures of Cats in Art
As Emily's cancer progressed, she drew increasing comfort from the presence of her black and white cat, Peter. Louis, desparate to divert his wife's attention from her illness, began to draw the pet in amusing poses, such as wearing glasses, or prete
CommentsLoading...
Hi Hello, Hello. That was quick! Glad you enjoyed the angels. I thought that I choose something topical in the run-up to Christmas!
Lovely if sad words to that song by McLaughlin. And I've always liked Robbie's "Angels." I emphasise with Robbie, been there. Nice pics, good hub for Chrissie, The season's jollies to you, Amanda... Bob x
Amanda, they are all such beautiful works. I liked Angel by Abbot Thayer best. She seems so real and has a heroic face.
Hi Bob, Robbie's "Angels" is definitely one of my all time faves. I'd been meaning to write a hub about angels in art for a while now. It's a good theme for the season, but also appeals to me for other reasons. Hope you're enjoying the run up to Christmas. My kids are quite hyper already!
Hi Aya, I'm glad you enjoyed the pictures. I wonder what was in Abbot Thayer's mind when he painted 'Angel', as I read that he'd tragically lost two of his children at a young age. I know that was a common occurrence in those days, but it must still have been very sad for him.
What a beautiful hub! I believe in angels too. I love Pre-Raphaelite artwork. Thank you Amanda. :)
Hi Pam, I'm getting myself in the mood for Christmas. The kids are already asking for the decorations to come down from the attic, but I can't even think about that until we're properly into December. I haven't seen any news of Bill for a few days. I hope that's all going ok, and that he's well on the mend now.
I see man his created not only God, but His angels in his own image.
Beautiful art, lovely images. Thanks.
Yes, that's right Immartin, angels are beautiful people with wings! LOL! Personally. I really do believe in angels, but I'm not too sure of how they might look in reality. Titian's version is definitely my favourite of the above.
I'll say, Amanda, all angels share that androgynous look, even the Thayer who used his daughter as a model :) The guardian angel makes me look twice! Very very pretty!
Lovely paintings and a very good hub.
Hi Elena, I guess a sexy looking angel of either persuasion might be unconvincing. They need to appear to be above such worldly concerns. The Guardian Angel is pretty though.
Hi Brian, thanks for stopping by and commenting. I'm glad you enjoyed the paintings.
Lovely images. Angels are nice thought but I am unsure of their existence
What beautiful paintings, and beautiful music to match. This is a delightful hub; I'm always surprised at how many folk say they believe in literal angels protecting them: I have to admit the possibility of some protective force (love? compassion?) being present in the world is very attractive. Very.
Hi Ethel and Teresa,
I don't imagine angels to literally look like those in the paintings, although wouldn't it be great if they did? Maybe your idea of a protective force, Teresa, is closer to the truth. Maybe angels are always around us if we only knew how to see them. I like to think so.
Hey Amanda, glad I checked out this hub. I have been relying on angels daily with all the stress going on around me. I talk to them all the time, seriously. I trust in them. They are like the aliens in The Lathe of Heaven which I finished today. They save us from ourselves! Thanks so much for opening me to new experiences in art and in reading.
PS I hadn't heard of Robbie Williams but listened to something new there as well. In the Arms of an Angel is so hauntingly beautiful... thanks again.
I knew your hub was going to be a treat for my eyes and senses. Beautiful photos and nice descriptions. My favorite is the stained glass angel by Franz Borgias. And yes, I voted I believe in angels; actually have seen them.
Hi Barb. Glad you made it to the end of The Lathe of Heaven. Hope it got less tortuous as you went along! It's nice to think that angels might save us from ourselves. I hope they really do! I talk to angels as well, and I feel comforted by the idea that they are all around us.
The Robbie Williams song is one of my all-time favourites. The other song was one I heard more recently, and quite liked, though not so much as Robbies.
Hi VioletSun, I really like the stained glass angel too. I love her green wings!. There are more photos of this window on Wiki Commons Images, and they're all lovely.
Did your angels look like the ones in the paintings? I'd love to know.
Great Hub for the Season! I enjoyed the paintings very much.
Hi, Amanda: No, they didn't. They were actually tiny with a beautiful light around them, one had a glowing, deep pink,almost fuchia light around her and what what attracted my attention; this is why I understand when you wrote not all angels look like the ones in paintings; angels can take any shape, form.
They are holy and quiet.
Hi VioletSun, I've always imagined them as beings of light, but maybe they come to us in the form of people or even animals sometimes. Thanks for your description. It sounds beautiful.
Hi Peacenhim and Ugg online, thank you for stopping by and commenting.
This was one heavenly hub! Ahhh I can just look and look at the images you presented here. I miss doing art hubs like this! And great videos too, two of my favourites actually - so how cool is this hub? :D
Hi Cris, thank you for the compliments! I enjoyed putting it together.
This really is a beautiful hub, and very inspiring for Christmas. Tricia and I sometimes talk about what we would do if we won the lottery (I don't even buy a ticket) and it strikes me I would buy a painting of the Annunciation - but have it on public display. Both of us always think it is one of the most dramatic moments in the whole Bible - and over the centuries there have been so many beautiful paintings.
Thanks for all the work you put into this hub.
Hi 2patricias, I wonder if you have seen the beautiful Glyn Philpot painting of the Annunciation which is in Brighton Museum? It's one of my favourite paintings. They have quite a number of Philpots there, and I like them all. I hope you two ladies have a wonderful Christmas, and thank you for visiting!
The angel in "The Guardian Angel" looks like someone I once dated, I swear. And the detail from the L.A. cathedral looks like Bernadette Peters, doesn't she?
Why would angels have a gender, do you suppose? Fascinating, as usual, Amanda. Thank you!
Hi Jess, I see what you mean about the L.A. angel. She just needs a few more curls!
A wonderful hub, the paintings are all beautiful piece's of art. Thank you so much for sharing this hub with us.
Hi Naomi, thank you for stopping by. I'm glad you enjoyed the hub. A merry Christmas to you!
I love them all. Very beautiful paintings.
Can't think how I missed this hub! Beautiful pictures and I love the quotes with each of them. The music is wonderful, too, thank you - makes you feel Christmas in the air!
Hi Writer Rider. They're all great, aren't they? It's hard to pick a favourite.
Hi Shalini, yes, Christmas is definitely in the air now. We've had a few frosty mornings this week, and there are lights up in Brighton and along the sea front. It's all looking very festive. Glad you enjoyed the hub, as I loved putting this one together.
I really liked your hub and all the beautiful paintings.
Thanks for stopping by Sohelia.
Hi, Amanda. I love the pix of the angels. I saw the Thayer angel in person about a month ago at the National Portrait Gallery in DC. I enjoyed so much seeing it as it is such a famous angel picture.
Hi Dolores, the Thayer painting is very striking, and I would love to see it face to face. Maybe one day! Thayer was a very interesting character by all accounts, as well as a brilliant artist.
Amanda,
Loved this article and the images were outstanding! Very nice. I believe in angels - I know my JW friends feel otherwise and I respect that and I know God is a jealous God but angels keep everything in perspective and allow me to reflect on God. Anything that leads to God is good. Excellent article - rated it up!
Hi Kelly, I'm sure angels do exist in one form or another, and anything that shines a light into our lives, and helps us to walk on the sunny side can't be a bad thing! Thanks for stopping by.
Lovely page ! I am a painter and art history buff. The paintings you selected here are very beautiful ! I will add myself to your hub. I am new to this forum and so would appreciate your following. I plan to post my artwork in the near future. Thank-you & warm wishes from Miami, Florida.
Hi ArtKali, it's always good to meet another art lover. Thanks for stopping by.
Angels were portrayed with more majesty and had a quality of mystique in past centuries, I prefer them to more contemporary artists' renderings...
Hi Deborah-Lynn, I have to agree that earlier traditions in art were more appropriate for some subjects, and angels are possibly one of those. The angels here were all painted more than 70 years ago, and they are all wonderful, but I expect that there are contemporary artists doing similar work. I just haven't found them yet.
Really nice art work
Hi Mike, thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Hi, Amanda, I am back. I've written several angel hubs and would love to link to this one. Beautiful pictures. Angels are amazing!
Hi Dolores, good to see you back on HubPages. Please feel free to link this to your hubs, and let me know if I can reciprocate!
Hi Amanda,I love this hub,you are even more talented than I thought you were you should get this one published as a book.
Hi Bill, what a lovely surprise to see you here! Thank you for your compliments. I'd love to see some of your writing on HubPages. Maybe some poetry?
Nice hub!
These are beautiful angels, Amanda. Thanks for compiling all these beautiful angel pictures
Hi Errorsomi and CMHypno, thank you for stopping by and commenting!
Awesome! God's beauty is all around us - and you share some of the best. Thank you!
Hi Gma Goldie, God's beauty certainly is all around, and angel paintings are a wonderful expression of it. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Awesome read..Thanks for sharing details
Thanks for stopping by Htodd
Wonderful hub. I like the article and the paintings of Angels. Thanks for sharing nice topic.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, Sasanka7.
Hello, hello, 2 years ago
Thank you for your lovely hub. Those painting were absolutely beautiful.