Outside The Box Gallery Wrap
$414.00
Editorial View
The Gallery's Perspective
There is an immediate tenderness in the way this figure advances: stooped and steady, the angel moves forward on a rugged cliff with a single, small candle held out as if to reassure the dark. You notice his age at once — the long white beard, the frayed robes, the weathered staff — yet his feathered wings and careful step suggest endurance rather than frailty. The deepening night sky, studded with distant stars, frames him against a cool, almost solemn backdrop while the candle’s warm glow becomes a quiet point of intimacy and hope. Christensen’s attention to detail — the layered textures of fabric and stone, the soft gradation from twilight to night, and the gentle contrast between the candlelight and the surrounding blue — makes this a quietly narrative piece: it feels like a long-lived guardian pausing in an eternal watch. There’s room here for personal story—wondering where he’s headed or whom he keeps near—but what stays with you is the simple, humane act of carrying light into darkness.
The Artwork
About The Oldest Angel Artist Proof
The Oldest Angel
The idea for this ancient angel came to me completely out of the blue, says artist James C. Christensen. He started as a drawing in my sketchbook and he looked like he had been around forever. I imagine him at almost the farthest reaches of eternity. Every night he climbs up that little trail and holds out his candle. You can make up your own story about him. Where is he? Why is he here? Maybe he likes this spot. Maybe he's been up there, watching, since before the beginning of the world.��
This classic Christensen angel was originally published in a fine art paper edition eighteen years ago and has been sold out in the market for nearly as long. Much history has passed since then, both personally for the artist and for us as a country and now this oldest of angels seems even more poignant as a symbol of eternal and almost defiant hope. This giclTe canvas fine art anniversary edition will not exceed 350 copies so only a select few will own one to enjoy and to pass on to the next generation.
This classic Christensen angel was originally published in a fine art paper edition eighteen years ago and has been sold out in the market for nearly as long. Much history has passed since then, both personally for the artist and for us as a country and now this oldest of angels seems even more poignant as a symbol of eternal and almost defiant hope. This giclTe canvas fine art anniversary edition will not exceed 350 copies so only a select few will own one to enjoy and to pass on to the next generation.
Collector Details
What to Know About This Piece
Product-specific details, edition information, provenance, and special considerations are shown here when applicable.
About the Collection
James Christensen (1942–2017) was a visionary fantasy artist known for his whimsical paintings that blend mythological storytelling with magical realism. His work, inspired by Renaissance art and surrealism, features imaginative characters, intricate details, and symbolic elements such as floating fish, which represent wisdom and wonder. Christensen’s unique artistic voice brought to life fairy tales, fables, and medieval-inspired dreamscapes, making his fine art prints and collectible fantasy artwork highly sought after. His ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary continues to captivate art collectors and dreamers alike.
Artist Signature
Signed by the artist
This piece is artist signed and includes a Certificate of Authenticity.
Image Rights
Image copyright © 2026 by James Christensen.
Authorized Source
Authenticity & Documentation
Buy with confidence
Limited-edition artwork includes a Certificate of Authenticity when one is issued by the artist, publisher, studio, or authorized source. Open-edition pieces may not include a certificate; this does not affect their authenticity. The Collection Shop sources artwork through artists, publishers, authorized distributors, galleries, and other approved channels. Any additional documentation included with this specific piece will be noted above.
It is with deep regret and profound sadness that The Collection Shop announces the passing of artist James C. Christensen on Sunday, January 8, 2017.
Inspired by the world's myths, fables and tales of imagination, James C. Christensen wants his work to add up to more than a beautiful - if sometimes "curious" looking work of art. Having taught art professionally for over 20 years, he likes to think of the world as his classroom. His hope is that through whatever he creates-be it a porcelain, fine art print or book-he can convey a message, inspiration or a simple laugh. He believes that teaching people to use their imagination helps us find solutions to sooth the stresses of everyday life-or get a little lift to help us keep going. In short: all things are possible when you share Christensen's philosophy that "Believing is Seeing." Christensen was born in 1942 and raised in Culver City, California. He studied painting at Brigham Young University and, for a while, the University of California at Los Angeles before finishing his formal education at BYU. Since then, he has had one-man shows in the West and the Northeast and his work is prized in collections throughout the U.S. and Europe. Christensen has also won all the professional art honors the World Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention can bestow, as well as multiple Chesley Awards from the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists. Christensen has been designated as a "Utah Art Treasure," one of Utah s Top 100 Artists by the Springville Museum of Art and received the Governor s Award for Art awarded by the Utah Arts Council recognizing the significance of Christensen s artwork to Utah s cultural communities. He was inducted into the U.S. Art magazine s Hall of Fame and is an Honored Alumnus at Brigham Young University for his contributions to fine art and education. James and his wife Carole, co-chair the Mormon Arts Foundation. He is a frequent guest lecturer at Brigham Young University, and has also given workshops to large companies and organizations on the subject of creative thinking, including the California Art Educator s Association, Hallmark and Intermountain Health Care. In addition to his fine art limited editions on paper and canvas, Christensen s work can be found in five acclaimed books and a series of interactive journals and in three dimensions in porcelain and hand-crafted limited-edition bronze sculptures
Inspired by the world's myths, fables and tales of imagination, James C. Christensen wants his work to add up to more than a beautiful - if sometimes "curious" looking work of art. Having taught art professionally for over 20 years, he likes to think of the world as his classroom. His hope is that through whatever he creates-be it a porcelain, fine art print or book-he can convey a message, inspiration or a simple laugh. He believes that teaching people to use their imagination helps us find solutions to sooth the stresses of everyday life-or get a little lift to help us keep going. In short: all things are possible when you share Christensen's philosophy that "Believing is Seeing." Christensen was born in 1942 and raised in Culver City, California. He studied painting at Brigham Young University and, for a while, the University of California at Los Angeles before finishing his formal education at BYU. Since then, he has had one-man shows in the West and the Northeast and his work is prized in collections throughout the U.S. and Europe. Christensen has also won all the professional art honors the World Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention can bestow, as well as multiple Chesley Awards from the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists. Christensen has been designated as a "Utah Art Treasure," one of Utah s Top 100 Artists by the Springville Museum of Art and received the Governor s Award for Art awarded by the Utah Arts Council recognizing the significance of Christensen s artwork to Utah s cultural communities. He was inducted into the U.S. Art magazine s Hall of Fame and is an Honored Alumnus at Brigham Young University for his contributions to fine art and education. James and his wife Carole, co-chair the Mormon Arts Foundation. He is a frequent guest lecturer at Brigham Young University, and has also given workshops to large companies and organizations on the subject of creative thinking, including the California Art Educator s Association, Hallmark and Intermountain Health Care. In addition to his fine art limited editions on paper and canvas, Christensen s work can be found in five acclaimed books and a series of interactive journals and in three dimensions in porcelain and hand-crafted limited-edition bronze sculptures
Personal Gallery Assistance
Questions before adding this piece to your collection?
We are happy to help with availability, shipping, edition details, or purchasing questions.