The Angels of the Hierarchy – Archangeli 1873

Edward Burne-Jones created this drawing depicting the Archangel with ink and gouache. The angel is adorned with traditional symbols of divine power and authority: a sword representing justice and a trumpet, a call to attention or a symbol of divine announcement. The sword and trumpet appear throughout art history. The sword, initially a symbol of military might, evolved into a symbol of justice, seen even in classical depictions of the goddess Justitia. The trumpet, associated with divine pronouncements, echoes through time from the horns of biblical narratives to triumphant fanfares in Renaissance paintings. Note how the angel's calm androgynous face projects a psychological depth. Such imagery engages viewers on a subconscious level, creating a powerful emotional experience rooted in collective memory. This cyclical progression of symbols, though modified, continues to resonate, revealing how cultural memory influences artistic expression.