The Smiling Angel (c.1280),
Regensburg Cathedral ■ The Smiling Angel on the southwest pillar in the crossing is part
of an Annunciation group (the Virgin Mary is across the nave on the northwest
pillar). It was sculpted in about 1280 by an artist known as the Master of St.
Erminold. The angel looks very cheerful and is quite popular with visitors. The
cathedral brochure emphasizes its deeper meaning: "it is the visible
expression of the Gospel - the good news of the love of God become man." ■