St. Michael Defeats the Devil
By: Eugéne Delacroix (1798-1863)
Oil and virgin wax on plaster
Church of Saint-Sulpice, Paris, France
This painting is found on the ceiling of a chapel in the Church of Saint-Sulpice which contains three paintings by this artist (two on the wall as well as this one which is found on the ceiling). The central and dominant figure in this image is St. Michael the Archangel. He can be seen surrounded in light as he defeats the figures of the darkness He is chief of the heavenly host and is leading the celestial army which defends the church. Here he is seen fighting the rebel angels and defeating the dragon of Revelations and driving them from heaven. It is appropriate that he would be found doing so in this painting due to the fact that he is the patron saint of knights, who are known as defenders, and to trades related to the production of weapons and arms.
Sources:
"St. Michael, the Archangel - Saints & Angels." Catholic Online. Web. 12 Apr. 2010. .
Church of Saint-Sulpice Painting Inscription
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