Engel met trompet en banier 1608 - 1688

Claude Mellan made this small engraving of an angel with a trumpet and banner, sometime in the 17th century. The image's iconography is rooted in Christian tradition, with the angel acting as a messenger of divine will. But look closer and you will see Mellan’s work reflects the politics of imagery. Angels were often deployed as symbols of power and authority, especially by royalty and the church. Mellan was French and he worked during the reign of Louis XIV, a period marked by the consolidation of royal power and religious conflict. The banner the angel holds bears the Greek inscription "En tout Nika" – "In this, conquer." This could be interpreted as an endorsement of the prevailing political and religious order. It also resembles the royal coat of arms, suggesting an alignment with the monarchy. Understanding this image requires a critical approach, using historical sources to decode its complex layers of meaning, especially when images can reinforce hierarchies.