Portal von S. Michele in Pavia 15 - 1827

Friedrich Maximilian Hessemer rendered this architectural study of the Portal von S. Michele in Pavia in pen and ink. Dominating the tympanum is the figure of an angel, a symbol laden with meaning across cultures and ages. The angel here, a divine messenger, reminds us of similar figures in Byzantine mosaics and Renaissance paintings. This symbol, however, is not confined to the Christian tradition; winged deities appear in ancient Mesopotamian art, serving as intermediaries between gods and humans. Even in modern times, the image of the angel persists, albeit transformed. The persistence of the angel motif reveals our collective memory and subconscious need for intermediaries. It speaks to the human desire for connection with the divine. Each culture interprets the symbol, imbuing it with unique significance, yet the underlying concept remains constant. The angel, therefore, continues its cyclical journey through time, constantly adapting, yet forever linked to its ancient origins.