Raphael’s Revelation

Raphael from the book of Tobit

This illustration is my interpretation of the angel Raphael. According to the book of Tobit, Raphael is sent by God to accompany Tobit’s son, who’s blind, and a heartbroken widow, who, instead of committing suicide, both pray to God for deliverance from their suffering. Disguised as a human, Raphael accomplishes his assigned mission to ultimately restore them. He then, soon after, reveals his identity, and those witnessing his unveiling fall down in terror.

The Illustration

This piece was completed with oil-based charcoal and a range of graphite mechanical lead, ranging from 5H to HB. The drawing was completed on archival cotton paper giving, deep rich darks and a wide range of gray tones. The orb displays the authority given to him, and the unravelling cloth symbolises the terrifying reveal or uncovering of the angel’s true identity to those looking on.