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Archangel Gabriel

Digital Art and Transformation by Gregory Bart

A red robed man on a throne, holding a sword in his right hand and a book in his left hand.

Archangel Gabriel plays a central role in the three great “Abrahamic” religious traditions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In this vision, Gabriel has some features consistent with traditional renditions, such as the red robes, wings, and halo. Many features though are distinct, such as the Eastern dragon motifs, Nordic-style halo tracery, and many other details.

Is he raising his heel to stand and draw the sword, or returning to his seat and sheathing it? Either direction indicates transition. The book in his left hand, though reminiscent of a Bible as commonly shown in Romanesque depictions of Jesus, is suggestive of spiritual scripture that is perhaps yet to be revealed to this world.

This painting incorporates iconographic influences from diverse sources. A few examples are: French manuscript illumination along the borders (15th century), Nordic relief sculpture on the scabbard, Romanesque depictions of God (posture), as well as Eastern dragon motifs.

Painted in Photoshop – Winter 2020

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