Saint Michael

Master of Belmonte Spanish

On view at The Met Cloisters in Gallery 20

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.

Saint Michael, Master of Belmonte (Spanish, Aragon, active ca. 1460–90), Tempera and oil on wood, North Spanish

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