The photographs:
Madonnas and Angelic Children
Julia Margaret CAMERON
British, 1815–79
The angel at the sepulchre, 1869
albumen silver photograph
27.3 x 35.9 cm
The Wilson Centre for Photography
84:0986
In this photograph we see Cameron's accomplished use of sfumato – an
Italian term referring to a subtle transition between colours. The features
of the face are softened, the woman's expression emotive and contemplative.
Her hair blends into the veil that in turn merges into the background.
The title recalls events surrounding the resurrection of Christ, although it is
unclear if this is another depiction of the same angel who was 'at the tomb'
in Cameron's similarly powerful image Angel at the tomb, or if other Biblical
events are implied. The lilies symbolise death and, on the basis of this
interpretation, the angel may here represent one of the women who witnessed
and mourned Christ's death.
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