This lavish and inclusive compilation of angels in art features depictions of cherubs, guardian angels, heavenly messengers, and more, from the Middle Ages to contemporary times, represented in frescoes, oil paintings, mosaics, prints, stained glass, tapestries, manuscript illuminations, and sculpture. Includes an index of illustrators.

"The word 'angel' ... derived from the Greek 'angelos, ' it meant 'shadow side of God, ' 'messenger' or 'revealer of truth.' ... Angels were given free will by God - those who chose good were given a state of eternal grace, those who chose evil found themselves cast out of heaven into hell." (Page 5).

A gift collection of one hundred color illustrations features the celestial works of Raphael and Botticelli, as well as a selection of Victorian cupids, and includes a Valentine, a gatefold spread, a pop-up, and translucent acetates. 15,000 first printing.

The figure of the putto (often portrayed as a mischievous baby) made frequent appearances in the art and literature of Renaissance Italy. Commonly called spiritelli, or sprites, putti embodied a minor species of demon, in their nature neither good

The belief in angels cuts across all religions, nationalities and creeds, and is as common in non-religious as in people who follow a particular faith. This book comprises an introduction looking at the ways in which angels have been represented in religion, history, art and literature, followed by a comprehensive A-Z of angels.