“Settimo Angelo” (7th Angel)

8″ x 10″ or 11″ x 14″ archival print. Also available as a 5″ x 7″ folded greeting card. Original drawing: 11″ x 14″ Colored pencil on colored paper. 

I have visited the “Eternal” city of Rome twice (and certainly hope to visit again!). While there, I took numerous photos of the statues on the Ponte Sant’ Angelo (Bridge of Angels). I am always amazed by the amount of detail and emotion that sculptors are able to create out of a block of marble (or other material). The Bridge of Angels is one of the most beautiful examples of this.

The bridge connects the city of Rome to Castel Sant’ Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica. The Angels were placed there in 1670. Bernini was commissioned with the initial project. He completed two of the statues, These were moved to the church of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte near Piazza di Spagna. Copies of his work are on the bridge now. Other sculptors who shared his vision were entrusted to create the rest of the angels. Ten in all, they represent the passions of Christ. 

The reference photo for this piece was the 7^th Angel, (Settimo Angelo) holding the cross, by Ercole Ferrata. The inscription on the bottom of the statue reads: “Dominion rests on his shoulders” a reference to Isiah 9:6. I enjoyed the challenge of reproducing the contrast between the highlights and shadows to create the form on a two dimensional piece of paper. The details on the feathers took a particularly long time. I encourage anyone who is lucky enough to visit Rome to see these exquisite works of art.