The Holy Angels Protecting a Hermit from Evils 1726

"The Holy Angels Protecting a Hermit from Evils" is a 1726 pen and wash drawing by the German artist Johann Georg Bergmüller. The composition is dominated by a single, powerful angel in the upper half, wielding a sword and a radiant light emanating from a triangle containing a single eye, symbolizing the divine. Below, a group of cherubic figures, some holding arrows, protect the seated hermit from the encroaching shadows of evil. The work showcases Bergmüller's mastery of dramatic composition, capturing the celestial battle between good and evil. It is a fascinating example of Baroque drawing, with its emphasis on dynamic movement and dramatic chiaroscuro effects.