Saint Michael the Archangel Victorious over the Demon, Tuscany – 16th century

Saint Michael the Archangel Victorious over the Devil
Tuscany – 16th century

Oil painting on canvas

68 x 52 cm. – In frame 97 x 78 cm.

Full details of the painting (click HERE)

This interesting Saint Michael the Archangel subduing the devil is of great character, the work of a Tuscan painter in the sixteenth century, who stands out for his particularly powerful and solemn Mannerist language.

The composition follows the traditional iconographic scheme: the Angel, depicted as a young man of rare beauty, takes up the image of a warrior, strong and delicate at the same time; with outstretched wings he raises his spear without apparent effort, ready to strike the victory blow at the rebel angel, stretched out at his feet.

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

Saint Michael grabs his animalistic arm with his claws as if he wanted to show off his monstrous features. His serene face contrasts with the devil's twisted pose and tense gaze, which recalls his wickedness, compared to the beauty of the archangel, symbol of goodness.

Supreme commander of the angelic hosts, he is the harbinger of a strong symbolic power,
represent the victory of Good over Evil, although in this iconography we could perceive a broader meaning, that of the victory of virtue over lust and seduction (which has always been personified by women).

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

The conservation conditions of the work appear good.

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

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

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