In Angel’s Care 1931

Paul Klee sketched this intriguing image titled "In Angel's Care" with ink. Note the ethereal angel rendered in thin lines, wings outstretched, protectively looming over a smaller, childlike figure below. Wings, since antiquity, have symbolized divine protection and transcendence, often associated with figures like Hermes or Nike. Here, however, the angel’s form seems fragile, almost tentative, differing greatly from the triumphant, robust angels of the Renaissance. Consider the gesture of the wings, which echoes the protective embrace seen in countless Pietàs, where Mary cradles the body of Christ. Yet, Klee distills this profound sorrow into a minimalist form, relying on the viewer's cultural memory to fill in the emotional depth. The angel’s seemingly hollow gaze might evoke not just protection, but also a sense of longing or vulnerability, perhaps reflecting a deeper unease about the world. This angel is not a triumphant figure but a poignant emblem of hope and fragility, echoing across time.