Custodi Nos Dormientes (The Guardian Angel)

Jacopo de' Barbari

1509

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance

About this work

This engraving shows a sleeping man on a bed, his head resting on his hand. Above him, a winged figure leans in, gently touching his shoulder. The background is dark, with a few faint lines suggesting a curtain or wall. The sleeping man looks peaceful, almost unaware of the guardian figure watching over him. The artist used fine lines and shading to create depth and texture, especially in the drapery and skin. Try looking up how engraving works to see how artists like this made such detailed prints.