Simon Marmion – A Choir of Angels – From Left Hand Shutter Part 6 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a vertical arrangement of figures within a narrow, elongated space. Here we observe a celestial choir of angels, divided into two distinct groupings positioned one above the other. The upper section features three angelic figures engaged in musical performance. One angel plays a recorder-like instrument, while another holds and appears to be playing a flute. A third angel stands beside them, seemingly observing or participating in the music. Their garments are richly colored – crimson, yellow, and green – contrasting with the dark background. The drapery of their robes is rendered with considerable attention to detail, suggesting movement and volume despite the limited spatial depth.
Below this group, two more angels are depicted holding sheets of parchment, presumably musical scores. They appear to be singing or chanting, their faces exhibiting expressions of serene devotion. Their attire is predominantly white, accented by red head coverings. At the very bottom of the composition, a small architectural element – a finial or spire – is visible, anchoring the scene and suggesting a connection to an earthly structure, perhaps a church or cathedral.
The background is dominated by a dark, almost black expanse, which serves to isolate the figures and emphasize their ethereal quality. The limited palette contributes to a sense of solemnity and reverence. The artist’s use of light focuses primarily on the angels themselves, highlighting their forms and creating a luminous effect that reinforces their divine nature.
Subtly, the arrangement suggests hierarchy within the celestial realm. The upper group appears more active and engaged in performance, while the lower pair embodies a quieter, contemplative devotion. This division might allude to different roles or functions within the heavenly choir. The inclusion of the architectural detail at the base introduces an element of earthly context, hinting at the intersection between the divine and human realms – a common theme in religious art intended for devotional purposes. The overall effect is one of ordered beauty and spiritual contemplation, characteristic of a period where meticulous craftsmanship and symbolic representation were paramount.