Saint Michael Archangel

oil on copper

cm. 32 x 20

in an antique frame 43 x 32 cm

Executed in oil on copper around the end of the 17th century, the proposed painting recalls the iconography of the famous St. Michael the Archangel painted by Guido Reni in 1635 for the Church of the Capuchins, in Via Veneto in Rome, erected by donation of Cardinal Antonio Barberini (1569-1646), brother of Urban VIII.


After a long and intense training in Bologna, 27-year-old Guido Reni went to Rome in 1602, soon becoming a celebrated interpreter of the tastes of the most culturally influential circles, and winning the protection of great personalities such as Popes Paul V, Urban VIII and Scipione Borghese.

The work shows the Archangel Michael engaged in the battle against Evil, portrayed as a statuesquely handsome youth, strong and delicate at the same time, who, with his large wings spread and an imposing deep blue breastplate with a red cloak, wields his sword against the rebel angel, lying at his feet in the flames of hell.

The soft draperies envelop the angel's body with an intense classicism, where a balanced composition focuses the viewer's attention to his angelic face.

Great was the recognition and esteem of contemporaries for this painting, and the painting was immediately an incredible success, so much so that numerous contemporary authors replicated its composition to satisfy the requests of collectors of the time, who wanted to possess their own version of the Barberini altarpiece, commissioners of the canvas.

Given the period of its execution and its quality, we can state that the proposed ramino is the work of an artist presumably active in Rome in the second half of the 17th century.

The conservation condition of the work appears to be very good, with restorations.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold complete with an attractive wooden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organise the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

Please contact us for any information, we will be happy to answer you.

In case of purchase of the work by non-Italian clients, it will be necessary to obtain an export permit, which takes about 10/20 days; our gallery will take care of the whole phase until it is obtained. All costs of this procedure are included.

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