An angel understood to have rebelled against God; Christian art represents fallen angels as defeated, expelled, demonic, or transformed beings.
A fallen angel is an angel understood in Christian tradition to have rebelled against God. Art may show the fall itself, the expulsion of rebel angels, Satan beneath Michael, or the progressive transformation of beautiful heavenly bodies into demonic forms.
Etymology
English theological phrase combining fallen with angel.
Sculptor Notes
The most powerful sculpture often preserves some trace of former angelic beauty. A defeated body that remains recognizably angelic creates a different theological and emotional effect from a purely monstrous demon.
References
https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_one/section_two/chapter_one/article_1/paragraph_5_heaven_and_earth.html; https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/437742