An armed archangel


The image, by "18th c. Unknown" is entitled The Archangel Barachiel with Harquebus.

I have to admit I've never considered the possibility of angels/archangels carrying armaments, but I'm undoubtedly ignorant of some Biblical references.  Anyone?

Image from Savage America, via A London Salmagundi.

Addendum: Full explanation in a subsequent post.