Archangel Gabriel

Information Pictures and Links regarding Archangel Gabriel

Archangel Gabriel has a remarkable position as one of the few cultural figures who plays an important role in more than one major religion. He is refered to in the Old Testament as appearing to Daniel. In Christian tradition he appears to the Virgin and to Zachariah. In Islamic tradition he is renowned for dictating the Holy Koran to the Prophet Mohammed.

The frequent references to Gabrial in literature and Art mean more than any other Gabriel defines most people's idea of what an angel is. In particular the potent image of Angel Gabriel announcing the impending birth of the Messiah to Mary has inspired generations of artists in the process creating one of the most iconic images of Western culture.

This blog collects together a collection of links and information about the references to Archagel Gabriel through the centuries.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Representation of a female or androgynous Gabriel, Archangel Gabriel Flying

Found at www.lyndamillerbaker.com

Archangel Gabriel flying

by Lynda Miller Baker

This Icon is egg tempera and gold leaf on antique wood panel measuring 45cm x 30cm approx

It is detail of the Annunciation based on an early 14c Byzantine icon in the Ohrid Icon Gallery, Yugoslavia

Thursday, December 11, 2008

13th Century Georgian Icons

Georgian 13th Century Icons

found at: www.parliament.ge

Archangel Gabriel



Archangels Gabriel and Micheal



Archangel

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

He Stormed Out and Came Back With an Angel

or 'why history doesn't always have to repeat itself..'

A short story by Francesca Giles

(c) 2008 Francesca Giles

“Why do you keep shouting at me she pleaded?” He glared and yelled abuse again. Accusations that cut her to the quick, touching her own vulnerability.

“You make me just want to walk out of here” he spat. He knew this would hurt her.

She felt pretty desperate. These words took her straight back to the first time she had parted company on bad terms. That event in her life 50 years ago can only be described as a tragedy and he was one of the few people who knew the effect it had on her life.

Her insecurities, her sadness and her grief. Her usual reaction would be to beg him not to go. What if she never saw him again? Sometimes history does repeat itself and she could not let this happen again. Her thoughts were rushing through her mind, together with pictures and images of the past. It was like a waking nightmare, and she was unable to utter a single word. Too late, the front door slammed and he was gone.

A state of confusion and panic set in, evoking all the terrible emotions of the past. She could see this as a pattern in her life. It must be her fault.

She deserved to be punished…….or did she? Had she really done anything wrong? Was she to blame?

Out of this confusion emerged an incredible calm, almost like a ‘letting go’. The silence that fell on the house was soothing.

Her thoughts slowed as waves of warmth seemed to be washing over her. As she regained her poise and dignity she could sense something quite wonderful emerging. Just the thought that she was not to blame. Could this truly be the reality? If she was asked the question, she would reply that she was not a victim.

She refused to accept the identity of a victim. Some pretty awful things had happened in her life, but she was not a victim. If she said it often enough it must be true. Her thoughts were very quiet but an idea was emerging. These things did happen in her life, but maybe she was not to blame?

She was suddenly jolted out of her silence. The front door was being closed gently. The sense of calm remained. He had returned.

She braced herself slightly, preparing for another outrage, or would it be the cold steely approach she had seen many times before. She was surprised as she looked into his face, into the eyes that she had loved for so long. Beyond those eyes and into his soul, his very being. She liked what she saw and was not surprised by what she heard as he said………….”I met an Angel and I have brought him home with me”.

She replied…..”I know.”

burne jones angel with flagelot

Detail of Angel playing a flagelot by Edward Burne-Jones

12th Century Georgian Mosaic

Georgian 12th Century Mosaic

found at: www.sacredsites.com

Virgin and Child / Archangel Gabriel Mosaic

Gelati




image of gabriel found at: kutaisidotorg.tripod.com

Interior of the church of Gelati, Kutaisi

Situated on a wooded hill 11 kilometers northeast of Kutaisi, the beautiful monastery and academy of Gelati was founded by King David the Builder in 1106. The academy, the original building of which is still standing, drew scholars from throughout eastern Europe and was a great center of neo-Platonist metaphysical philosophy between the 12th and 15th centuries. The Cathedral of the Virgin, completed in 1125 received additions in the 13th and 14th centuries. The interior of the church is filled with light coming from the large windows and many colorful frescos grace the walls. The pride of the church and one of Georgia's greatest works of art is an extraordinary mosaic composed of 2.5 million pieces of stone. Created in the 1130's, it features the Virgin and Child with the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Outside the church, to the southwest, is a sacred spring that is known to have been a pagan holy place before the arrival of Christianity. Gelati was ravaged by the Ottoman Turks in 1510 and further damaged by the Lezghians in 1579 but King Bagrat III subsequently restored the church and monastery. Russia annexed Georgia in 1801 and while Gelati lost all royal patronage from this time forward, pilgrims continued to visit the sacred place. In 1922 the Communists closed the monastery and pilgrimages were forbidden. The church was reconsecrated in 1988 and has again become a favorite place of pilgrimage for Georgian persons.

11th century church at pagan holy place, monastery of Gelati, Kutaisi

Angel Gabriel Pencil Drawing



found at: http://www.risingdove.com/risingdove

Gabriel

Halftone greeting card from original pencil on paper

© 1986 Miriam A. Kilmer






"Gabriel" (c) 1986 Miriam A. Kilmer Detail

Halftone greeting card from original pencil on paper (private collection).

Order Information for Reproductions Painting/Drawing Gallery More Galleries
The original pencil drawing "Gabriel" is not for sale. However, original pastel paintings by Miriam A. Kilmer are available for sale at Foxhall Gallery. Please contact Jerry Eisely by phone (202-966-7144), fax (202-363-2345), or email foxhallgallery@foxhallgallery.com.

For additional information, contact Miriam at miriam@risingdove.com


Original Art and Graphics © 1997 - 2002 Miriam A. Kilmer.







link: http://www.risingdove.com/risingdove/Gabriel.html


Monday, December 08, 2008

Representation of a female or androgynous Gabriel after Boticelli

Found at www.lyndamillerbaker.com

Archangel Gabriel - The Annunciation

by Lynda Miller Baker

In a Private Collection, Northern Ireland.

This Icon is Egg tempera and gold leaf on antique wood panel measuring 70cm x 70cm

After Boticelli.

The Angel Gabrial Iconostas in Antiochan Cathedral

More info at: www.saintelias.com
Two wonderful pictures of Orthodox Iconastas from an Antiochan Cathedral in Brampton Ontario, Canada

The Angel Gabriel

Angel Gabriel Iconastas
Angel Michael Iconastas

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Daniels Vision explained by Angel Gabriel

found at: artbible.info

Daniel's Vision explained by Angel Gabriel

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn 1606 – 1669

oil on canvas (98 × 119 cm) — ca. 1650

Gemäldegalerie der Staatlichen Museen, Berlin

This work is linked to Daniel 8:17