Congregation of Jesus and Mary · Since 1643
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← Symbols and stained glass

Sainte-Amélie · Nave vault

The angels
and cherubim

A gallery of details to identify the gestures, instruments, and attributes of the heavenly figures.

View the angels ↓

Both sides of the vault

A series of related figures

The angels and cherubim carry instruments, liturgical objects, and symbols. The captions follow the reference images and describe each figure without adding unsupported interpretations.

Saint Cecilia and angels above the organ at Sainte-Amélie
Saint Cecilia, the angels, and the organ · Overview

Reading note: The reference images distinguish figures on the left and right sides of the vault. The supplied images are presented in a themed gallery; their exact spatial order will be preserved when photographs of each panel are available.

Song and instruments

Heavenly music

Song, sheet music, and instruments form the first group of images.

Singing cherub with hands clasped
Singing cherub with hands claspedHe sings praises to God.
Angel holding a long sheet of music
Angel holding a long sheet of musicThe sheet bears the musical notation for the song.
Cherub playing the trumpet
Cherub playing the trumpetAn instrument of heavenly music.
Angel playing the violin
Angel playing the violinAn instrument of heavenly music.
Cherub playing the dulcimer
Cherub playing the dulcimerAn instrument of heavenly music.
Angel playing a drum
Angel playing the tambourineAn instrument of heavenly music.

Gestures and liturgy

Prayer and the liturgy

Hands, incense, and the book draw the eye to praise and prayer.

Angel praying with hands clasped
The angel prays and protects humanityThe posture expresses prayer.
Cherub presenting a stole
Cherub presenting a stoleThe stole symbolizes the priest’s spiritual authority.
Angel holding a censer
Angel holding a censerThe smoke represents the prayers of the faithful.
Angel holding a censer
Angel holding a censerThe smoke represents the prayers of the faithful.
Ange associé à l’amour
Cherub looking upwardThe gesture expresses reverence and love.
Ange aux mains ouvertes
Angel with outstretched handsThe gesture suggests acceptance or preaching.
Ange tenant un livre liturgique
Cherub in a chasuble holding the missalThe priest reads the day’s office in the Roman Missal.
Angel holding a ciborium
Angel holding a ciboriumA ciborium is a liturgical vessel used to hold hosts.
Chérubin tenant un calice
Cherub holding the chaliceThe chalice symbolizes the Passion, death, and Resurrection of Jesus.
Praying cherub with hands clasped
Praying cherub with hands claspedThe gesture expresses prayer and contemplation.

Symbols and attributes

Flame, cross, and objects

Some attributes have precise captions in the documentation; others are shown without added interpretation.

Angel associated with a flame
Angel holding a flaming vesselThe flame symbolizes a fervent faith.
Angel with wings outstretched
Cherub serving GodHe carries out duties in the earthly realm.
Angel carrying a cross
Cherub holding a crossThe cross is a symbol of the Christian faith.
Angel holding a palm branch
Angel holding palm leavesThe palm recalls Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
Angel holding palm leaves
Angel holding palm leavesThe palm leaves symbolize Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
Cherub holding a palm leaf
Cherub holding palm leavesThe palm leaves symbolize Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
Cherub holding palm leaves
Cherub holding palm leavesThe palm recalls Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
Cherub with raised hands
Cherub with raised handsHe offers humanity’s prayers to God.
Angel holding an oil lamp
Angel holding an oil lampThe light guides the wise and the just; it symbolizes eternal life and the wisdom of God.
Angel presenting a banner decorated with a cross
Angel holding a symbolic objectAttribute to be identified from the original view.
Angel carrying lilies and roses
Angel carrying lilies and rosesThe flowers are associated with Mary.
Ange de la soumission
Cherub holding a yokeThe yoke symbolizes submission.
Angel associated with rebirth
Angel holding Easter liliesThey symbolize the purity and renewal associated with Christ’s Resurrection.
Angel holding a sword
Angel holding the sword of JusticeThe sword is his attribute.
Angel carrying the crown of thorns
Angel carrying the crown of thornsThe crown recalls the Passion of Christ.

Gallery complete: photographs of figures identified in the reference panels have now been gathered here.

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