Ángeles arcabuceros, Angels with Arquebus
During the late 17th century through the 19th century and first appearing in Peru, paintings that depicted angels in stunning clothing, and holding a arquebus, became widespread throughout the Andes.
During the late 17th century through the 19th century and first appearing in Peru, paintings that depicted angels in stunning clothing, and holding a arquebus, became widespread throughout the Andes.
Angels during this time period were androgynous. The asexual body of the angel in this painting is consistent with the depictions in the bible. Extended lines of the angel’s body depict the Mannerist style preferred in the Americas in the 17th century.
The dress of the angel was an Andean invention that combined contemporary European fashion and the typical dress of indigenous noblemen.The excess of textile indicates the high social status.
