Visual+Analysis+on+the+angel+of+death



Death, since early history, has been portrayed by different characters countless times. One may refer to the Hellenic god Thanatos, the Japanese Shinigami Spirits, and even the famous Grim Reaper himself, to name a few examples. Some might argue that these symbols were a necessity for early developing civilizations, as a means of rationalizing something that they didn’t understand. After all, we may know all about the various causes of death and what may lead to it, thanks to society’s leaps and bounds in medical technology. However, we still know little to nothing about what actually happens after we die. Naturally, that frightens people. We cling to science and religion to give us comfort and security in the midst of uncertainty, while some choose to embrace the unknown and go along for the ride. These symbols of death have become more so artistic statements or remnants of history rather than actual living beings, but death itself has become no less real to us. That is why these symbols still matter. They are our means of peering into different interpretations of what death may actually be.

The particular image of death that I intend to focus on in this paper is none other than the infamous angel of death. This spiritual figure is also widely referred to in popular culture and literature, as well as multiple religious followings. In Jewish lore, the angel of death is commonly referred to as “Azriel”. For someone that is the literal embodiment of death, he is depicted in quite a positive light. According to the Zohar, a secondary Jewish holy book, Azriel receives the prayers of faithful people upon entering the afterlife, and commands multiple legions of angelic warriors. Most followers of the Islamic faith also believe in the depiction of Asriel as a revered archangel, but it is debated whether or not he is actually referred to by that name. The Qur’an states that the angel of death watches over the dying, separates one’s soul from their body, and delivers the soul of every person to Allah. Additionally, in the Torah and in the Bible, an account is given of the angel of death being sent by God on the night of the first Passover, in which he kills all the firstborn sons of Egypt, aside from the few who followed the specific ceremonial guidelines given to Moses by God. In this sense, those of the Christian faith also believe in the angel of death. Not only that, but this occurrence in the book of Exodus has been the cause of one of the most revered religious holidays; Passover.

The specific image of the angel of death that I have enclosed is a painting by Evelyn De Morgan, an artist who frequently depicted allegorical figures and themes. The painting portrays a somber and dramatic scene of the angel as he reaches in to grab a young woman by the neck, as the woman gazes stoically into his eyes. It could be assumed that the situation being depicted showcases a woman’s supernatural encounter with the angel before her death, signifying that her time to depart from the land of the living has come. The angel’s appearance shares much in common with other famous personifications of death, including a long dark robe that covers most of his body, and a scythe held in his hand. But unlike the appearance of the more famous Grim Reaper, there is nothing overtly sinister about the angel. While he does appear to be reaching in to grab the woman by the throat, presumably, to end her life, his expression is solemn, without a single hint of malice. One could argue that he almost looks mournful. To further contrast from the Grimm Reaper, the angel of death is shown to have a beautiful, unblemished, feminine face. He also appears to have long, flowing, grey hair tucked under the hood of his robe. Additionally, the face of the woman whose life is about to be taken is not one of fear, by any means. She is retaining the entirety of her dignity as her life ends.

Of course, most of the paintings of Evelyn De Morgan had some sort of allegorical meaning behind them. I believe, if we look at the scene she depicted with our new-found knowledge pertaining to the angel of death, we may be able to decrypt the hidden message that she’s attempting to convey. As is evident from the descriptions of the angel from the different holy books and individual faiths previously mentioned, the angel of death is by no means evil. In fact, he could be considered the complete opposite, since he is under the command of God, whether it be the Jewish, Muslim, or Christian one. In all three of these faiths, the god in question is the absolute moral standard, the epitome of all that is good. Additionally, these gods all control the power of death. To believe anything less would be to believe that not one of them holds any ounce of omnipotence. From this, and from the emotions shown by the characters in the scene, we may discern that death is neither good nor evil. It is simply an inevitability. Both the angel and the woman depicted have somber, yet dignified expressions. Not terrified or saddened ones, cursing death with their eyes, nor welcoming it with joyful smiles. They’ve both accepted the inevitability of this event. They’ve accepted that death is simply another part of life, something out of their control, something we all must face someday. Arguably, this image is setting an example of how, regardless what we may believe in, we can all face death with dignity. We can all accept our own mortality and powerlessness, and be brave in the midst of our own demise.