Pittore toscano del XVI secolo

Saint Michael the Archangel Victorious over the Devil Tuscany - 16th Century Oil on canvas 68 x 52 cm. - Framed 97 x 78 cm. Complete painting details (click HERE) This interesting Saint Michael the Archangel subduing the demon is of great character, a work by a Tuscan painter in the mid-sixteenth century, distinguished by a particularly powerful and solemn mannerist language. The composition follows the traditional iconographic scheme: the Angel, depicted as a youth of rare beauty, takes on the image of the warrior, strong and delicate at the same time; with wings spread, he raises the lance without apparent effort, ready to strike the rebellious angel, lying at his feet, with the blow of victory. 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 feminine features. In fact, it appears on the ground, subdued and trampled, as a monstrous hybrid being partly human and partly animal: with the bust of a woman, with luscious breasts, and the tail of a serpent. Saint Michael grabs the animalistic arm with claws as if to showcase these monstrous features. His serene face contrasts with the contorted pose and tense gaze of the devil, which recalls his wickedness, compared to the beauty of the archangel, a symbol of goodness. Supreme commander of the angelic hosts, he is the bearer of a strong symbolic power, representing the victory of Good over Evil, although in this iconography we could find a broader meaning, that of the victory of virtue over lust and seduction (which has always been personified by the woman). The skillful chiaroscuro effect, which adds volume and substance to the body that emerges from the darkness, is well combined with a brilliant chromatic impasto, 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. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The painting is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. If you wish to see this or other works in person, we will be happy to welcome you in our new gallery in Riva del Garda, in Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We are waiting for you! Contact us for any information or to organize a visit, we will be happy to answer you. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/