To engle med musikinstrumenter 1686 - 1738

Hendrik Krock rendered "Two Angels with Musical Instruments" using pencil on paper. Born in Germany, Krock became the court painter for the Danish Royal Family and his work exemplifies the cultural exchange which characterized the era. With a career rooted in the opulence of courtly life, Krock's angels reflect the aesthetic ideals of his time. These figures, bathed in soft light, embody a gendered idea of beauty. Yet, there’s also a quiet sense of introspection in their expressions, a departure from purely ceremonial depictions. The angels seem caught in a moment of reflection before their serenade. The musical instruments suggest harmony and a divine connection. In a time when the Church played a central role in society, art was often a tool to communicate spiritual values. While Krock adopts traditional symbols, he infuses his angels with a palpable sense of human emotion. They encourage us to consider the relationship between the earthly and the divine.