The artwork, titled “Angel with Labara,” was created by Mikhail Vrubel in 1884 in Kiev, Ukraine. This fresco, a significant piece in the Art Nouveau (Modern) and Byzantine movements, falls under the genre of religious painting. It is currently located in St. Cyril’s Monastery in Kyiv, Ukraine.
The artwork depicts a serene yet commanding angel holding a labarum, symbolizing divine authority and protection. The angel is adorned in detailed, flowing garments that suggest a sense of movement and grace. Dominated by earthy tones with a contrasting vibrant backdrop of blue, green, and gold, the fresco highlights the ethereal and revered nature of its subject. The stylized and intricate lines characteristic of Art Nouveau, along with the grandeur and solemnity of Byzantine art, are evident in this piece. The angel’s visage radiates calm and spiritual strength, set against an ornate background that venerates its presence, thus capturing the viewer’s attention and invoking a sense of reverence and awe.
