French Literature Reviews - 2026

B. Avril-Chapuis, Les Symboliques de l’ange dans l’art et la littérature. Ange, genèse d’un mythe (1850-1950)
Comparative and World Literature

Never has the angel been so prevalent as in the modern era, precisely when religious belief was being called into question. What is the meaning behind this lingering presence? This study explores the emergence of a truly modern myth through a comprehensive overview of both literary and artistic works.

The modern era has been marked by a widespread questioning of traditional religious dogmas. As secularization reshaped society, artists and writers did not simply abandon sacred imagery; instead, they repurposed it. The figure of the angel, historically understood as a divine messenger bridging the gap between heaven and earth, underwent a transformation, being refashioned to address secular anxieties and aesthetic ideals.

This study explores the emergence of the angel as a modern myth, examining its lingering presence during a period when religious belief was being called into question. By analyzing both literary and artistic works, the text provides an overview of this phenomenon. Readers interested in the representation of angels in modern literature and art may find this study relevant.

Table of contents and online reading on the publisher's website...