An Angel holding a Lily 1706 - 1739

"An Angel Holding a Lily" is a drawing by Cosmas Damian Asam, a prominent German artist of the Baroque period. This preparatory study, executed between 1706 and 1739, showcases Asam's mastery of anatomical detail and dynamic composition. The angel, rendered in brown ink and wash on paper, appears in flight, its wings outstretched and a lily held delicately in its hand. This drawing likely served as a study for a larger painting or fresco, a common practice among Baroque artists who emphasized the grand scale and theatrical effect in their works. The drawing, now held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides insight into Asam's artistic process and his ability to imbue figures with a sense of both ethereal grace and powerful energy.