17th Century French School, The Guardian Angel (angelus Custos)

Gouache on parchment (9.5 x 6 cm without frame, 22 x 18.5 cm with frame). Presented in its glazed frame of carved and gilded wood. This delicate composition illustrates the theme of the Guardian Angel (Angelus custos), an emblematic figure of Baroque spirituality and private piety in the 17th century. A heavenly protector, the angel is traditionally depicted guiding and watching over the innocent soul, often that of a child. This iconography, very widespread in French religious art, responded to intimate devotion and daily prayer practices. The refined technique of gouache on parchment gives the scene great finesse of execution, with luminous and precious colors, characteristic of works intended for personal contemplation. In its glazed frame of carved and gilded wood, the whole retains all the charm of 17th-century devotional objects, at the crossroads of art and faith. (B5470/G190)