bs-ahp- Carol Inouye- Angel With Lute Carol Inouye

The artwork presents a figure identified as an angel, centrally positioned against a plain, off-white background. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the ethereal quality of the subject. Here we see a youthful individual with delicate features and long, flowing hair, rendered in warm tones that suggest both innocence and serenity. A golden halo encircles the head, reinforcing the figure’s divine status.
The angels attire consists of a vibrant red robe, adorned with intricate gold detailing along the sleeves and hem. The fabric appears to billow outwards, creating a sense of movement and lightness despite the apparent stillness of the pose. Large, feathered wings extend from the back; their coloration transitions through shades of blue, green, yellow, and white, suggesting both celestial origin and an interaction with earthly elements.
The angel holds a lute, a stringed instrument, poised as if in the act of playing or about to play. This detail introduces a layer of symbolic meaning – music often represents harmony, divine communication, and spiritual elevation. The placement of the hands on the instrument suggests a practiced skill, hinting at an angelic role that extends beyond mere observation into active participation within a cosmic order.
The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation and grace. The simplicity of the background directs attention solely to the angel, allowing for a focused engagement with its symbolic attributes. Theres a deliberate lack of narrative context; no scene or landscape is provided, which contributes to an atmosphere of timelessness and universality. The artist’s use of color – particularly the contrast between the red robe and the golden halo – creates visual interest while maintaining a sense of spiritual purity. Subtly, the work evokes themes of divine presence, musicality, and the potential for beauty within a seemingly simple form.