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Trumpeting Angel

An angel blowing a trumpet, especially associated with resurrection, apocalyptic revelation, and the Last Judgment.

Short Definition

An angel shown sounding a trumpet, especially in apocalyptic and Last Judgment imagery.

Difficulty

Beginner

Language Origin

French / Greek / English

Pronunciation

TRUM-pə-ting AYN-jəl

A trumpeting angel is an angel shown sounding a trumpet. In Christian art the type is strongly associated with resurrection and the Last Judgment, where angelic trumpets summon the dead and announce the cosmic event.

Etymology

Trumpet through Old French trompette; angel from Greek angelos.

Sculptor Notes

The trumpet creates a powerful directional vector projecting from face to bell. In stone relief the instrument can be fragile, so its angle and connection to adjacent mass should be planned structurally rather than copied literally from painting.

References

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/463414; https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/436794