- ANGELUS MORTIS -

Description by Mister 13

Aerosol spray on canvas, a kleenex.The concept of death as a sentient entity has existed in many societies since the beginning of history. In English, Death is often given the name Grim Reaper and, from the 15th century onwards, came to be shown as a skeletal figure carrying a large scythe and clothed in a black cloak with a hood. It is also given the name of the Angel of Death or Devil of Death or the angel of dark and light (Malach HaMavet) stemming from the Bible and Talmudic lore. The Bible itself does not refer to \"The Angel of Death\"; there is, however, a reference to \"Abaddon\" (The Destroyer), an Angel who is known as the \"The Angel of the Abyss\". In Talmudic lore, he is characterized as archangel Samael.In some cases, the Grim Reaper is able to actually cause the victim\'s death, leading to tales that he can be bribed, tricked, or outwitted in order to retain one\'s life, such as in the case of Sisyphus. Other beliefs hold that the Spectre of Death is only a psychopomp, serving to sever the last ties between the soul and the body and to guide the deceased to the next world without having any control over the fact of the victim\'s death. In many languages (including English), Death is personified in male form, while in others, it is perceived as a female character (for instance, in Slavic and Romance languages).The Angel of Death, who is identified by some with Satan, immediately after his creation had a dispute with God as to the light of the Messiah. Death is, either as a metaphor, a personification or an actual being, referenced occasionally in the New Testament, even though it can be debated whether these texts are discussing death as a being or as a concept. Christians widely understand these references to Death to mean the death not just of the physical body, but also the death of Hope - of permanent separation from God, usually understood to be in Hell. In Islam, the concept of death is viewed as a celebratory event as opposed to one to be dreaded. It is the passage of the everlasting soul into a closer dimension to its creator that is seen as a point of joy, rather than misery, obvious mortal grief and sadness.