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Sacred Art

Tobias and the Angel

The Book of Tobit subject in which the young Tobias journeys under the protection of the Archangel Raphael, often accompanied by a fish and dog.

Second Hierarchy

The middle of the three traditional angelic hierarchies, consisting of Dominions, Virtues, and Powers.

Angel of the Annunciation

Gabriel represented at the Annunciation, traditionally shown approaching or kneeling before the Virgin with a lily, sceptre, or scroll.

Jacob Wrestling with the Angel

The Genesis subject of Jacob wrestling through the night with a mysterious divine or angelic figure, frequently treated as an intense two-body struggle.

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.

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.