Angels

     The word angel is derived from the Greek word angelos, meaning “messenger.” In most of the dominant world religions, angels are spiritual beings that bridge the gap between God and humanity. Their position is to teach, command, or inform people of their destiny on earth. Angels also act for God by rewarding faithful behavior, punishing those who do evil and helping ones in need. However “fallen angels” no longer serve God and reside in the Underworld and take on the identity of a demon. Although many argue that angels have no physical existence, artists throughout time have come to depict them as human with wings and halos. This representation shows that angels are close to humans, but still share divine characteristics of God. 

Baroque statue in the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri (Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs)

Bust in the Basilica di Santa Prassede (Basilica of St. Praxedes)

A Roman copy of a Greek statue at the Museo Nazionale Romano (National Museum of Rome)

Bronze statue on top of the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II (National Monument to Victor Emmanuel II)

Baroque statue in the Basilica di Sant’Agostino (Basilica of St. Augustine)

Bronze fixture at the Basilica di Sant’Agostino

"Angels." Myths Encyclopedia. Advameg Inc., 2013. Web. 15 Aug. 2013. 

<http://www.mythencyclopedia.com/Am-Ar/Angels.html>.

"Angels and Demons in Christianity." Christian Beliefs. Blue Host, 17 Mar. 2004. Web. 15 Aug. 2013. <http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/beliefs/angels_demons.htm>.