Flemish School From The End Of The 16th Century. Saint Michael The Archangel

Oil on copper circa 1590-1600 Presented in a very beautiful 17th century Flemish frame in blackened pear wood with reverse profile and guilloche moldings. Total dimensions: 47 x 42 cm. Copper: 22.5 x 17.5 cm We are in the presence of a representation of Saint Michael the Archangel which finds its roots directly in a work by the Flemish painter and draftsman of the late Mannerism Marten de Vos (Antwerp, 1532 - 1603) . This work was engraved by Hieronymus Wierix (Antwerp, 1553-1619), and its diffusion had a significant iconographic impact at the European level. It also had international repercussions, since it is represented in the cathedral of Cuautitlán, Mexico. The painting that we present here takes up the formal characteristics of de Vos' drawing, showing Saint-Michel slaying the devil who is represented as a hybrid being (half-human, half-demon) with wings, with a snake's tail - standing with hands crossed on his body, in an indefinite setting, which seems celestial thanks to the clouds that we glimpse. The composition is dynamic and scenographic, with the Saint full-length, occupying most of the pictorial surface, holding in his right hand a glow with the inscription “Quis ut Deus”, a Latin phrase which means “Who is your God? " and which directly refers to the iconography of Saint Michael the Archangel, even being the translation of the name Michael from Hebrew. The finesse of this composition in bright colors and its rare framing make it a precious and refined object for this small painting of private devotion. Very good state of conservation. Sold with a certificate.