Dimensions: 115.6 x 25.5 x 50.5 cm (45 1/2 x 10 1/16 x 19 7/8 in.) 310 lb.
Copyright: CC0 1.0
Editor: Arnolfo di Cambio's Censing Angel is a marble sculpture of considerable size, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. What strikes me is its serene yet forward-leaning posture. What can you tell me about the symbols present in this artwork? Curator: Consider how the incense itself functions. It's not merely about a pleasing smell. Smoke rising upwards has symbolized prayer and purification across many cultures. Does that idea resonate with you when you look at this figure? Editor: Yes, it adds to the sense of upward movement and aspiration. I understand now that it's not just about the angel, but about the act of worship itself. Curator: Precisely. And think of the weight this imagery would have carried in a medieval setting, a tangible link between the earthly and the divine.
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