18th-century Spanish colonial school Attributed to Juan Pedro López (Caracas, Venezuela, 1724 - 1787) Saint Michael the Archangel Oil on canvas 91 x 69 - Framed 105 x 85 cm The canvas depicts a splendid Saint Michael the Archangel subduing the demon, the work of a talented painter of Spanish origin in the 18th century, distinguished by a purely baroque language that is particularly solemn and spectacular. Appointed Prince of the celestial hosts, the most powerful of the angels, he represents Good defeating Evil, trampling Satan to cast him back into the underworld. The composition follows a consolidated iconographic scheme, with the Archangel Michael depicted as a young man of rare beauty who adopts the classic image of the warrior with a simple tunic and a plumed helmet on his head. Strong and delicate at the same time, with his wings spread, he protects himself with an imposing shield, while raising his flaming sword ready to strike the rebel angel with the blow of victory. On the shield is the monogram of the Latin phrase 'Quis sicut Deus?' (literally "who is like God?"), a rhetorical question attributed to the Archangel Michael, leader of the hosts of angels faithful to God, who pronounced it when he hurled himself against the rebel angels led by Lucifer, when the latter questioned God's power. The painting, datable to the high 18th century, should be placed within the rich Spanish colonial production, and precisely its stylistic characteristics overlap perfectly with the works of the painter Juan Pedro López (Caracas, Venezuela, 1724 - 1787), a central figure in the development of colonial art, and considered one of the most important and successful artists of the colonial period. As a painter, sculptor and gilder he illuminated the gloomy art of his time with the light and grace of Spanish-American Rococo. His work, based in particular on religious painting due to the commissions received, followed a style that derived largely from the aesthetics widespread in Spain. After the conquest of America by the Europeans, new ranks of painting schools developed in the 'New Continent', with the aim of producing works to decorate the numerous churches that were being built everywhere, and the stately homes of the rulers. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is completed by a lacquered wooden frame and is sold with 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. In the event of the purchase of the work by non-Italian customers, it will be necessary to obtain an export permit which takes approximately 10/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase until it is obtained. All costs of this procedure are included. Contact us for any information, we will be happy to answer you. Follow us also on : https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/