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St. Michael

1500–10
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 521
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.
The Della Robbia family frequently reworked their models to create compositional variations. This figure of Saint Michael and that of Dovizia (22.16.6) were adapted from the same basic form. Where Dovizia raises a hand to steady a platter of fruit, Saint Michael wields a sword as he prepares to slay the devil, in the form of a dragon, writhing beneath his feet. Statuettes like these, intended for display in domestic settings, expressed personal and religious values, civic identity, and social status.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: St. Michael
  • Maker: Giovanni della Robbia (Italian, Florence 1469–1529/30 Florence)
  • Date: 1500–10
  • Culture: Italian
  • Medium: Glazed terracotta; metal
  • Dimensions: Owner's weight estimate: 22 1/4 in., 50 lb. (56.5 cm, 22.7 kg)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Private Collection
  • Curatorial Department: European Sculpture and Decorative Arts

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