Study for "Archangel" 1962

In this study for "Archangel," drawn by Seymour Lipton, the abstract figure recalls winged beings from ancient mythologies. The wings and the upward gaze are symbols of transcendence and spiritual aspiration, echoing the protective deities found in cultures across millennia. Consider the Mesopotamian lamassu, winged bulls guarding palace gates, or the Greek Nike, goddess of victory, her wings outstretched in eternal flight. In Lipton's archangel, we see a modern echo of these ancient forms, stripped down to their essential geometry. The symbol of wings has traveled through time, a visual shorthand for divinity, power, and the ability to bridge the earthly and celestial realms. It resurfaces, a testament to our collective memory and the enduring human desire to reach beyond the confines of our world. The emotional resonance of this image lies in its ability to tap into our deepest hopes and fears.