Uriel in the Sun 1817

Curator: The monochromatic sketch we're looking at is Washington Allston's "Uriel in the Sun." It depicts the archangel Uriel, his gaze directed upward, holding a spear. Editor: The spare lines give it a feeling of lightness, almost ethereal. But there is also something assertive in the way the figure is posed. What material is this drawing made from? Curator: It's a pen and ink drawing on paper. Allston, who lived from 1779 to 1843, was deeply influenced by European art. Editor: Right, the classical pose is reminiscent of Greek sculpture. I’m curious about the significance of Uriel himself. Angels are potent symbols, particularly in the context of religious and social reform. Curator: In some traditions, Uriel is associated with wisdom and prophecy. Allston was working in a rapidly changing world, grappling with complex questions of faith, identity, and purpose. Perhaps Uriel offered him a symbol of divine guidance. Editor: Food for thought, certainly. This makes me appreciate the interplay between materiality and meaning.