Candlestick angel 1891

Hans Thoma made this drawing of a ‘Candlestick Angel’ without a date. Thoma lived through the unification of Germany, a time of social upheaval and cultural transformation which saw the rise of nationalism and industrialization. The drawing depicts an angel rendered as a cherubic child clinging to a candlestick which stands on the back of a mythological creature. The angel appears naked and vulnerable, its vulnerability contrasting with the power and strength implied by the candlestick. Angels are traditionally symbols of purity and guidance, but Thoma here seems to disrupt this by portraying the angel in a more earthly, sensual way. The child-like form could represent innocence or a desire to return to simpler times. Thoma was known for his nostalgic landscapes which sought to capture a romanticized view of the German countryside. It invites reflection on the complexities of faith, innocence, and the human condition.