Arc. Raphael is an original icon, and was commissioned by Scott D. Shcolnik President, CEO & Fine Art Curator of Raphael's D'Arte, Contemporary Art Center in The Woodlands, as the signature piece for the Art Center, which will open late 2006 or early 2007.

Angels are the mediators of glory, ministers of the symbolic structure of created being. Perceiving their presence we learn to fathom the depth of nature and its belonging to another world.
The name Raphael means God has healed or Healer of God. He is also known as Azariah; Angel of Love; Angel of Joy.
Arc. Raphael is one of the three angels mentioned by name in Scripture, and one of the seven that stand before God's throne. Traditionally considered the force behind the healing power of the sheep pool mentioned in John 5:1-4.
His name appears only in the Book of Tobit (Tobias). There he first appears in human form as the travelling companion of the younger Tobias.
During their journey the archangel's protective influence is shown in many ways including the binding of the demon in the desert of upper Egypt.
He is the primary angel of healing, wisdom, and knowledge. .