Saint Michael

Master of Belmonte

1450–1500 · Tempera and oil on wood · The Cloisters

Armed with a coat of mail, dagger, shield, and lance, the archangel Michael symbolizes the triumph over evil. The demon at his feet is the Antichrist, cast out of heaven. The youthful beauty and sumptuous raiment of Saint Michael in the rich courtly setting combine with the image of the demon to form a stark visual contrast between the strength and splendor of the Church and the monstrousness of evil defeated.

Artist

Master of Belmonte

Date

1450–1500

Medium

Tempera and oil on wood

Culture

North Spanish

Department

The Cloisters

Credit line

The Cloisters Collection, 1955