Angel of Mercy

Angel of Mercy was originally introduced to the Magic: The Gathering trading card game in the Urza's Saga expansion in 1998, designed as a staple flying creature with a life-gain ability. The Ninth Edition printing, released in 2005, served as the game's core set update for that year, featuring a white-bordered aesthetic intended to differentiate core sets from the thematic expansions of the era.

The artwork for this specific iteration was rendered by Melissa A. Benson, a long-time contributor to the game's early visual identity. Benson utilized a classic high-fantasy style to depict the angel, emphasizing a serene and protective posture that aligns with the card's function of providing healing. Her work is often noted by collectors for its painterly, traditional aesthetic which predates the shift toward the more digital, high-contrast art styles that eventually became standard in later sets.