The artwork titled “St. Michael,” created by Fra Angelico between 1423 and 1424, is an excellent example of tempera on panel from the Early Renaissance art movement. This religious painting is part of the San Domenico Altarpiece series and it currently resides in a private collection.
In this piece, St. Michael is depicted as a noble and divine warrior, garbed in a richly adorned blue armor that is intricately detailed with gold accents. He holds a sword in his right hand, signifying his role as a protector and vanquisher of evil. His left hand supports a golden orb, symbolizing divine authority and celestial sovereignty. The background features a gilded setting, enhancing the saint’s majestic and heavenly presence. St. Michael stands triumphantly with his foot on a subdued dragon, representing the triumph of good over evil. The angelic and serene expression on St. Michael’s face, contrasted with his martial attire, conveys a balance of divine grace and justice. The artwork is a testament to Fra Angelico’s mastery in blending religious iconography with refined artistic techniques characteristic of the Early Renaissance.
