Artist: James Barry
The Angelic Guards James Barry (Irish, Cork 1741–1806 London)
This etching is based on a central portion of "Elysium and Tartarus," one of six murals Barry painted for the Society of Arts in London between 1777 and 1783.
Receiving little recompense for his great effort, Barry made etchings to generate income and disseminate his ideas. A 1792 print of the whole composition dissatisfied him because the figures were greatly reduced, so he later produced six large prints focused on key groups.
"The Angelic Guards" and "Divine Justice" were etched last, around 1802, and conceived as pendants to convey Barry’s belief that the true legacy of powerful men lies in the realm of culture. The image celebrates "those great and good men of all ages and nations, who were cultivators and benefactors of mankind."
Here, four angelic beings protect the heavenly realm from darkness infront of patrons that include Charles I, Jean Baptiste Colbert, Cassiordorus, Francis I, and Agrippa.
