Angel with lily and a putto handing the scapular Giovanni Battista Tiepolo (1696-1770)

This is a ceiling fresco painting depicting a heavenly scene with cherubic figures and angels. The main subject is a seated angel, adorned in a flowing green and pink garment, holding a bouquet of white flowers tied with a ribbon. The angel has large white wings and is positioned amidst a swirl of clouds.

To the left, a putto with dark, feathery wings tumbles through the air, holding by strings two small brown pouches, resembling scapulars, which are often associated with religious devotion and protection. This puttos dynamic pose suggests movement and perhaps a playful or active role in the divine exchange.

To the lower right, another cherubic figure, with lighter wings and blonde curls, is being kissed on the cheek by a darker-winged putto. This intimate gesture adds a sense of tenderness and perhaps divine affection or blessing. The overall composition is characterized by soft, luminous lighting, delicate brushwork, and a sense of ethereal movement, typical of Baroque or Rococo religious art.

The subtext of the painting likely refers to themes of divine intercession, protection, and spiritual devotion. The angel with lilies can symbolize purity and the Virgin Mary, while the lilies themselves can represent chastity or the immaculate conception. The putto presenting the scapulars strongly suggests a connection to the Carmelite order or the devotion to the Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, offering spiritual protection and grace to the faithful. The affectionate interaction between the cherubs could represent the bliss of heavenly communion or the gentle impartation of divine love. The overall atmosphere is one of celestial blessing and spiritual comfort.