Censing Angel c. 1294 - 1302

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.