Third Hierarchy
The lowest of the three traditional angelic hierarchies, consisting of Principalities, Archangels, and Angels and most directly associated with divine missions toward the created world.
Sacred Art
Angel of the Agony
The angel who appears to strengthen Christ during the Agony in the Garden, often shown bearing or presenting the chalice associated with the coming Passion.
Expulsion from Eden
The Genesis subject in which Adam and Eve are driven from Eden and the way to the tree of life is guarded by cherubim and a flaming sword.
Thrones
One of the nine angelic orders and the lowest order of the first hierarchy; medieval theology associates Thrones with divine judgment and receptivity to God's rule.
Angel of the Passion
An angelic attendant associated with Christ's Passion, frequently shown bearing, presenting, or adoring the cross and other Instruments of the Passion.
Angels of the Nativity
Angels appearing in Nativity imagery to announce, praise, adore, or attend the birth of Christ, from the angelic proclamation to the shepherds to adoring figures around the manger.
Dominions
An angelic order of the second hierarchy, traditionally associated with governance, command, and the ordering of lower angelic ministries.
Musical Angel
An angel represented singing or playing a musical instrument, common in Marian, celestial, and liturgical imagery.
Virtues
An angelic order of the second hierarchy, traditionally associated with divine strength and, in some theological accounts, miraculous operations in the created world.
Angelic Orchestra
A coordinated group of music-making angels forming a celestial ensemble, especially common around the Virgin, Christ, and scenes of heavenly glory.