17th Century Italian School, Musician Angels

Pen, ink, white gouache highlights on paper

H. 115 mm; W. 85 mm

This charming drawing depicts a concert of angels.
The angel on the left plays an instrument similar to a Lira da braccio, a stringed instrument of the violin family, whose origins probably date back to the medieval period. It became very popular in Europe during the Renaissance, particularly in northern Italy.

The Lira rests on the angel's knee, while his right hand holds a bow.
The figure on the right holds a flute in both hands.

Angels, like mythological figures such as Orpheus and Apollo, were for a long time the only figures depicted as musicians in Western art.
This type of iconography, depicting one or more musician angels seated on staircases, is frequently found in works depicting Virgins in Majesty. In his compositions, a Virgin and Child sit on a throne, often surrounded by Saints, in sometimes very elaborate architectural settings. It is at her feet that we find our concerts of angels.

Their music, which accompanies sung praises or prayers, such as the Lauda, aims to create an atmosphere of devotion.