The Guardian Angel
ca. 1500-1503
Imagine having a personal bodyguard who never sleeps—well, that's the vibe of this Renaissance masterpiece by Jacopo de' Barbari. Created around 1500, this engraving shows a winged angel gently touching the head of a bearded man who has dozed off at his desk. The Latin text at the top, 'Custodi nos dormientes,' translates to 'Guard us while we sleep,' which is basically the ultimate prayer for a good night's rest. Notice the strange snake-staff floating in the air? That's a caduceus, adding a touch of classical mythology to this Christian scene.
- Technique
- engraving
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