Angel of the Apocalypse

Angels exist in all the Abrahamic traditions—Judaism, Christianity and Islam. According to the Book of Revelation, angels will announce the end of time. A remarkable abundance of paintings of angels were commissioned throughout the viceroyalty of Peru by the Christian orders such as the Franciscans and Jesuits. These religious images were used as part of their evangelization of the native peoples.The representations of celestial beings, often as guides, guardians and captains of armies held special attraction. This rendering closely shares iconographic details with the military angels, or angeles arcabuceros, dressed in rich embroidered coats and plumed hats that had flourished since the late 17th century. While not holding a musket, these heavenly military combatants, also carried drums, lances, swords and trumpets with banners, such as the angel depicted in the present lot.