Gloria in Excelsis – by Evelyn De Morgan – Catholic Art Print – Archival – Catholic Gift – Angel

Gloria in ExcelsisEvelyn De MorganThis gorgeous painting was done by Evelyn De Morgan, a deeply religious painter from the turn of the last century, famous at the time for religious and spiritually symbolic art. Gloria in Excelsis Deo, meaning Glory to God in the Highest, were the words the angels sang to the shepherds when Christ was born (Luke 2:14). According to Christie's, the painting "embodies the deeper message that Christ's birth will unite angels and men, separated by original sin, and that man may hope to join the heavenly host after death." The wings are of phoenix and peacock feathers, symbolic of immortality and renewal. Also the spring flowers at their feet suggest hope and renewal. De Morgan (1855-1919) was trained in the style of the Aesthetic movement, which was very popular at the time. If emphasized the importance of beauty over narrative, which helps explain why this image of the angels at the birth of Christ is so beautiful, while the narrative elements such as the