The Guardian Angel: an angel at left placing his hand on the head of a sleeping seated man 1495 - 1505

This engraving, made by Jacopo de' Barbari in the early 16th century, presents a tender scene: a winged angel gently lays a hand upon the head of a sleeping man. The gesture itself is ancient, evoking images of divine blessing and protection. The angel, a messenger between realms, embodies a sense of hope and intervention. Even the caduceus in the background, a symbol of Hermes, has roots in antiquity, representing commerce, negotiation, and the balance of dualities. We see echoes of this protective gesture across time - in early Christian art, where Christ lays his hand on the afflicted, or in ancient Roman depictions of emperors bestowing blessings upon their subjects. The archetype is deeply embedded in the human psyche: a desire for safety, guidance, and a connection to something greater than ourselves. This image resonates on a primal level, tapping into our collective memory of seeking comfort and reassurance. It is a reminder that symbols are not static, but living entities that continue to evolve and carry meaning across generations.