Offered by Antichità Castelbarco
Saint Michael the Archangel victorious over the Devil
Tuscany - 16th century
Oil on canvas
68 x 52 cm. - In frame 97 x 78 cm.
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.
Delevery information :
We take care of and organise the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.
We take great care We personally take care of the packaging, to which we devote a great deal of care: each work is carefully packed, first with arti- cle material, then with a custom-made wooden box.
Should you have the desire to see this or other works in person, we would be happy to welcome you to our gallery in Riva del Garda, Viale Giuseppe Canella 18, we are always open by appointment only.
