Marvelous relief in Parian marble, depicting Saint Michael the Archangel.

Marvelous relief in Parian marble, depicting Saint Michael the Archangel, wielding a sword upwards and holding in the other hand the scales with which he weighs souls. At the bottom, almost hidden, is a small dragon of which only the tail is visible. It bears the inscription: IAS MA The coat of arms also consists of a shield in which are carved an eagle looking to the left and six five-petaled flowers inserted between its three lozenges. The rounded relief frame that encloses the whole is formed by foliage motifs of Quercus (oak) with six acorns and ribbons that contain it; these elements have always had meanings linked to power, strength, immortality and blessing. The beautiful angel and archangel Saint Michael, with wings spread, has Renaissance-style hairstyle and clothes well detailed and executed. Probably Italy, late 16th early 17th century. Dimensions of the roundel only: h.41 cm x 10 cm Total dimensions: h. 53 base 28x 28 cm