The artwork, titled “St. Michael Arhistratig,” was created by the artist Nicholas Roerich in 1906. Executed in the medium of mosaic, this piece is a part of the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and falls under the genre of religious painting. Unfortunately, the artwork is currently destroyed.
In the artwork, the figure of St. Michael is prominently displayed in the center, strikingly clad in armor and wielding a spear, indicative of his role as a warrior angel. His determined expression contrasts with the chaotic and tumultuous background, which is filled with dynamic, swirling patterns. These intricate patterns and details highlight the mosaic technique used in the piece, reflecting the era’s fascination with ornamental and natural forms typical of the Art Nouveau movement. The overall composition exudes a sense of movement and confrontation, befitting the subject matter of St. Michael, often depicted as a combatant against evil forces.
