Angel Gabriel

Has appeared extensively as a subject in early, medieval and later art, due to his role in Christianity as the messenger angel used by God to deliver several important messages. His most famous message was to tell the virgin Mary that she would conceive and bear a son – Jesus. He also foretold the birth of John the Baptist to Mary’s cousin Elizabeth who had been thought to be barren.

Gabriel also features in Islam and is the archangel sent by God to reveal the the Quran to Muhammad.