Victorious Saint Michael the Archangel Roman painter of the 17th-18th century Oil on canvas (112 x 74 cm - Framed 128 x 91 cm) DETAILS OF THE WORK (CLICK HERE) This interesting Saint Michael the Archangel subduing the demon is of great character, the work of a Roman painter active between the 17th and 18th centuries, who stands out for a still Baroque language that is particularly powerful and of great visual impact. The composition follows the traditional iconographic scheme: the Angel with spread wings, depicted as a young man of ethereal beauty, takes up the image of a strong and delicate warrior at the same time, wielding his sword ready to strike the blow of victory to the rebellious angel, lying at his feet in the infernal flames. With his other hand he holds the scales, his typical attribute, also alluding to his role in the Last Judgment, where he will use this instrument to 'weigh' souls: for the elect there will be the ascent to Heaven towards God the Father, depicted in the upper part of the canvas, for the damned the fall into the fire of hell. Supreme commander of the angelic hosts, the figure of Saint Michael embodies a strong symbolic power, representing the victory of Good over Evil: we see him beautiful and with a serene face, symbolizing goodness, while the demon appears on the ground, subdued, in pain in a contorted pose and with a tense gaze, recalling his wickedness. The stylistic characteristics of the painting show its belonging to Roman figurative culture, undoubtedly influenced in the iconographic choice by the famous Saint Michael the Archangel created by Guido Reni in 1635 for the Capuchin Church in Via Veneto in Rome (fig.1). Indeed, it takes up the pose of the body, with the particular torsion of the bust that pivots on the right foot, with that unmistakable style characterized by its elegance and softness, which made him become a model of ideal beauty, so much so that numerous contemporary authors replicated the composition to satisfy the collectors of the time. Among these, with another painting that was certainly inspirational for our painter, we can mention the Saint Michael the Archangel created by Guercino in 1644 for the church of San Nicolò in Fabriano (fig.2), inspired by the beauty of Reni's painting, but translating the same subject with a more dramatic tone, which we find well in our canvas. The state of conservation of the work is good. The work is completed by a beautiful gilded and lacquered wooden frame. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card. We take care of 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 to 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/