Saint Michael and the Dragon
1551
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1551
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image shows a chaotic battle between a winged figure and a giant dragon. The dragon coils around a city, its scaly body crushing buildings, while the figure above swings a sword. Trees and rocks fill the scene, and tiny people scatter below—some fleeing, others watching. The sky is dark, with swirling clouds and a half-moon hanging low. Look closer: the artist packed every inch with tiny details, from the dragon’s sharp claws to the crumbling walls of the city. The lines are so dense they almost blur together, making the scene feel wild and busy. Want to see how this was made? Check out engraving.