Description
The painting St Michael and the Devil, by Italian artist Raffaello Sanzio, is a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance. With an original size of 268 x 160 cm, this work is currently in the National Gallery, London and is one of the most famous and admired paintings in the collection.
The composition of the work is impressive, with Saint Michael the Archangel at the center of the scene, fighting the devil in an epic battle. The figure of Saint Michael, with his golden armor and raised sword, is imposing and majestic, while the devil, with his twisted body and black wings, seems to be in constant movement and struggle.
The use of color in the work is also impressive, with bright golden tones that highlight the figure of Saint Michael and contrast with the dark and somber tones of the devil. Light also plays an important role in the work, creating a sense of drama and tension in the scene.
The story behind the painting is also interesting. It was commissioned by Pope Leo X in 1518 to decorate the chapel of Castel Sant'Angelo in Rome. The work was completed in 1519, but it was never installed in the chapel due to the death of the pope and the subsequent fall of the Medici family in power.
Lesser known aspects of the work include the fact that it was restored several times over the centuries, which has led to some controversy over its authenticity. It has also been speculated that the figure of the devil could be based on Raffaello himself, since his face is very similar to the artist's in other works.
In summary, the painting St Michael and the Devil by Raffaello Sanzio is an impressive work that stands out for its composition, use of color and light, and its fascinating history. It is one of the most important works of the Italian Renaissance and continues to be admired and studied by art lovers around the world.