Nitza Toste
Puerto Rican, born 1949
Angel / Angel, 1996
Polychromed wood
11 ¼ x 5 ½ x 4 15/16 inches
Lent from a private Florida collection

Traditionally believed to be spirit figures created by God, angels are entrusted to enact the will of God on earth. The word “angel” comes from the Greek angelos which means “messenger.” As divine messengers, angels deliver prayers to God and return heavenly messages to those on earth. In order to complete their missions, they may sometimes appear in human form. For example, the archangel Gabriel from the New Testament Gospels appeared before the Virgin Mary to announce the birth of Christ. Angels who have been assigned by God to watch over mankind in every aspect of daily life are known as guardian angels.