Description
The painting St Michael defeats the Devil by Eugène Delacroix is an impressive work that captures the viewer's attention from the very first moment. With an original size of 441 x 575 cm, this piece is one of the largest the French artist created during his career.
Regarding the artistic style, St Michael defeats the Devil is a work that shows the influence of Romanticism, an artistic current that was characterized by its emphasis on emotion and imagination. Delacroix used loose, vibrant brushwork to create a sense of movement and drama in the scene.
The composition of the painting is another interesting aspect. Delacroix chose to depict the moment when Saint Michael the Archangel defeats the Devil in an epic battle. The figure of Saint Michael stands tall in the center of the painting, with his drawn sword and his gaze fixed on the enemy. The devil, for his part, is fallen on the ground, with an expression of defeat on his face.
Color is another outstanding element of the work. Delacroix used a vibrant and contrasting palette to create a sense of tension and drama. The red and orange tones of Saint Michael's clothing contrast with the dark blue of the sky and the brown of the ground.
The history of the painting is also interesting. It was commissioned by King Louis-Philippe of France in 1843 to decorate the Saint-Sulpice church in Paris. The work was enthusiastically received by critics and the general public, and became one of Delacroix's most iconic pieces.
Finally, there are some little known aspects of St Michael defeats the Devil that are worth mentioning. For example, Delacroix is said to have used his own son as a model for the figure of Saint Michael, giving the work a personal touch. In addition, the painting was restored several times over the years, which has allowed it to remain in excellent condition to this day.