In the world of art and faith, the images of angels become a unique bridge between the earthly and the divine, unveiling a universe of profound spiritual ideas.

Angelic Symbolism in Art

In the world of art and faith, the images of angels become a unique bridge between the earthly and the divine, unveiling a universe of profound spiritual ideas. Art is distinguished by its ability to translate the invisible attributes of higher powers into vivid forms, where every wing, fiery circle, or other attribute serves as an allegory of supreme spiritual truths. Rather than attempting to depict a physical substance, artists focus on conveying the inner essence of angels, emphasizing their "human-like quality" and their ability to symbolize pure ideals. This approach, called symbolic realism, blends the concreteness of form with the underlying idea, offering the viewer an opportunity to experience not just vivid paintings, but an entire concept of transcendent existence. In conclusion, these images—brimming with energy and meaning—guide us in contemplating an invisible realm where each symbol becomes a doorway to a world of profound spiritual experiences and eternal beauty.

How are conceptions of angels formed, and what symbolism might their visual images carry?

Conceptions of angels, according to the studied materials, are formed not as depictions of real, physically realizable bodies, but as symbolic images of the spiritual essence they represent. Several sources stress that the image of an angel is a "translation of his qualities into the language of forms and colors," that is, a means of visually expressing spiritual essence through carefully chosen artistic techniques.

For example, the quote from file link txt states:
"Depictions of angels are based not on their imaginary physicality, which they do not possess in any measure, but on their 'human-like quality.' Icons of angels are not depictions of their non-existent bodies, but 'symbolic images of their spiritual essence, as if translating its properties into the language of forms and colors.' Special attributes of angels—wings, fiery circles, etc.—possess a symbolic character and are grounded in the corresponding phenomena of angels described in the Holy Scriptures. Generally, as Father Sergius emphasizes, there is an abundance of symbolism in icons, and there is an entire class of purely symbolic icons. These are the so-called 'dogmatic icons.' They are characterized by an inherent 'symbolic realism, in which there exists a fusion of the concreteness of the image and the underlying idea.'" (source: link txt, page: 119)

This position emphasizes that artistic images of angels are intended to convey an inner spiritual reality, wherein external attributes do not so much describe material substance as they express ideas connected with their heavenly nature. Such "symbolic realism" underscores that although the images might appear concrete, they represent not an actual portrait but an allegory of lofty spiritual truths.

Additional confirmation of this approach can be found in the extended description of these features:
"Icons of angels are not depictions of their non-existent bodies, but 'symbolic images of their spiritual essence, as if translating its properties into the language of forms and colors.' Special attributes of angels—wings, fiery circles, etc.—possess a symbolic character... They are characterized by an inherent 'symbolic realism, in which there exists a fusion of the concreteness of the image and the underlying idea.'" (source: link txt, pages: 119-120)

Thus, the symbolism of the visual images of angels lies in conveying complex spiritual qualities through specific artistic forms—wings, fiery circles, and other attributes—that serve to signify their divine and transcendent origin. This symbolism enables the viewer to perceive angels not as particular physical beings, but as living manifestations of high spiritual ideals.

Supporting citation(s):
"Depictions of angels are based not on their imaginary physicality, which they do not possess in any measure, but on their 'human-like quality.' Icons of angels are not depictions of their non-existent bodies, but 'symbolic images of their spiritual essence, as if translating its properties into the language of forms and colors.' Special attributes of angels—wings, fiery circles, etc.—possess a symbolic character..." (source: link txt, page: 119)

"Icons of angels are not depictions of their non-existent bodies, but 'symbolic images of their spiritual essence, as if translating its properties into the language of forms and colors.' Special attributes of angels—wings, fiery circles, etc.—possess a symbolic character... They are characterized by an inherent 'symbolic realism, in which there exists a fusion of the concreteness of the image and the underlying idea.'" (source: link txt, pages: 119-120)