Saint Michael the Archangel
The Met
Artist: Ignacio de Ries(Spanish, 1616–after 1665)
Date: 1640s
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 64 3/4 x 43 1/4 in. (164.5 x 109.9 cm)
Credit Line: Marquand Collection, Gift of Henry G. Marquand, 1889
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
A winged figure in armor stands on a demon, holding a flaming sword and palm frond
Detailed Description
The vertical painting depicts a winged figure standing over a fallen, horned demon. In the upper two-thirds of the composition, the figure, with light skin and curly brown hair, faces slightly right, looking forward. The figure wears a dark teal tunic with gold trim and pearl-like embellishments, a pinkish-white flowing skirt, and gold and teal greaves on the lower legs. A dark gray helmet with white feathery plumes adorns the head. Large, light gray wings with brown undersides extend from the figure's back, and a red cloak billows behind. The right hand is raised, holding a flaming sword, while the left hand holds a long, thin golden palm frond. The figure stands on a light-colored cloud, with the right foot pressing down on the left shoulder of the demon below. The background behind the figure is a golden-yellow sky with soft white and orange clouds. In the lower third, the muscular, nude demon lies on its back, head turned to the right, looking upwards. Its skin is a darker tone, and it has dark, shaggy hair with small horns visible on its head. A large, dark brown, feathered wing is visible on its back. Its right arm is extended towards the bottom right, and its left arm is bent. A dark snake coils around its lower body. The demon is surrounded by dark, rocky ground and wisps of orange smoke or fire, contrasting with the brighter upper half of the painting.
Generated by gemini-2.5-flash
