Saint Michael The Archangel Victorious, Tuscany - 16th Century

Saint Michael the Archangel victorious over the Devil
Tuscany - 16th century

Oil on canvas
68 x 52 cm. - In frame 97 x 78 cm.

Full details of the painting (click HERE)

Of great character is this interesting St. Michael the Archangel subduing the devil, the work of a Tuscan painter at the height of the 16th century, distinguished by a particularly powerful and solemn mannerist language.

The composition is presented according to the traditional iconographic scheme: the Angel, depicted as a youth of rare beauty, takes up the image of the warrior, strong and delicate at the same time; with outstretched wings he lifts his spear without apparent effort, ready to strike the blow of victory at the rebel angel lying at his feet.

An element that on a collectors' level makes our painting extremely rare, if not unique, is the very particular iconography of the demon with female features. In fact, it appears on the ground, subdued and trampled, as a monstrous hybrid being that is part human and part animal: with the torso of a woman, with prococious breasts, and the tail of a snake.

St Michael grasps its animal arm with his claws as if to display such monstrous features. His serene countenance contrasts with the devil's contorted pose and tense gaze, recalling his wickedness, compared to the beauty of the archangel, symbol of goodness.

Supreme commander of the angelic hosts, he is a harbinger of strong symbolic power, representing the

representing the victory of Good over Evil, although in such iconography we might recognise a broader meaning, that of the victory of virtue over lust and seduction (which has always been personified by woman).

The skilful effect of chiaroscuro, which adds volume and substance to the body emerging from the darkness, is well combined with a brilliant chromatic impasto, with the intense red of St. Michael's cloak, with its elegant sinuous folds.

The conservation condition of the work appears good.

The work is completed by a beautiful gilded wooden frame, not of the period.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card.

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