Angels are a manifestation of the
traditional belief that there are spiritual creatures superior to man. "Creation
was thought of as a ladder, with its top rung occupied by angels, immaterial beings
made of pure spirit, whereas man consisted of both matter and spirit, a body and
a soul"; (Julien, 15). They are the messengers of God, liasons between heaven
and Earth, they are enlightenment. Angelic symbols include: flaming swords, trumpets,
sceptres, musical instruments, lilies. Gothic art tends to express the protective
and sublime aspects of the angel, while the Romanesque stresses its other-worldly
nature.
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