An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Angels with Attributes of the Passion, the Superscription from the Cross1627
Artist: Simon Vouet
French, 1590–1649
Part of a series of 12 paintings by Vouet of angels holding symbols of the Passion; another is 69.36.1 (angel holding vessel and towel for washing the hands of Pontius Pilate)
41 1/16 x 30 15/16 in. (104.3 x 78.58 cm) (canvas)
Oil on canvas
Painting
France
17th century
The John R. Van Derlip Fund
In the dim light of a sacred space, where the echoes of history whisper secrets, an angel emerges from the canvas, ethereal and captivating. The angel clutches a tablet, its surface inscribed with a profound declaration: “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” The words, rendered in the languages that once echoed through the streets of ancient lands—Hebrew, Greek, and Latin—hang above the cross, a testament to the weight of sacrifice and redemption.
This angel is part of a remarkable series—twelve in total—each one carrying symbols that narrate the harrowing story of Christ’s Passion. These events, dark yet transformative, speak of suffering and death, woven into the very fabric of faith. Painted for Ascanio Filomarino, a private patron in Rome who would later ascend to the heights of the Church as a cardinal and archbishop of Naples, this work was born in a time of deep devotion and artistic fervor.
The creator of this celestial figure, Simon Vouet, was a luminary of his time, casting long shadows in the world of art. His remarkable journey took him from the vibrant streets of Rome to the opulence of the court of King Louis XIII in France, where he ultimately held the esteemed title of First Painter. Between 1612 and 1627, Vouet transformed the Italian city with his bold brushstrokes, capturing the interplay of light and dark, revealing the emotional intensity of the Baroque style.
As he completed this significant piece, it marked the final echoes of his time in Rome, just months before he returned to his native land—a homecoming infused with the influence of his artistic experiences. Paris would soon be graced with his vision, as he sparked a renaissance in French art, introducing a style filled with high drama, resplendent colors, and the striking contrast of lights and shadows.
Today, we stand in gratitude to Sebastian Schütze, whose insights have illuminated the provenance of this painting, allowing us to connect with its storied past. It invites us to reflect on the divine narrative it carries, a bridge between centuries, cultures, and hearts, echoing the timeless resonance of art that speaks to the human experience.
About the artist
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