Early 18th-Century Neapolitan School, Archangel Michael Vanquishing The Devil

Early 18th-Century Neapolitan School, Archangel Michael Vanquishing The DevilThis drama filled early 18th century Italian oil painting depicts the Archangel Michael defeating Satan. With flaming sword aloft, he sends the demon tumbling into the burning abyss, while raising an index finger to heaven, to which he will return. Produced circa 1700, this skilful rendering captures a decisive moment as described in the Book of Revelation. And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon

how an artist can work as a descriptive conduit between an individual’s spirit and the world at large

The portrait is housed within a handsome gilded frame with pierced foliate scrollwork

Van der Gheynst undertook a light-hearted project to paint the characters of Brussels

Fairytales were an inspiration for Christensen

where he became a local celebrity of repute

Minor areas of restoration

pushing at reeds

Charles opted to focus on the Scottish and Welsh moorlands where he produced a great deal of his work

a strip of dark blue is interspersed with the white flashes of breaking waves

The light on each button

A reporter described the proceedings:

Provenance: Property of a lady