Artwork

Saint Michael

Saint Michael, by German 15th Century, ink, 1435
Saint Michael, by German 15th Century, ink, 1435

Saint Michael is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1435 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The print 'Saint Michael' is a hand-colored woodcut depicting a winged figure in a long robe, surrounded by symbols of judgment.

Subject & Meaning

The image represents a scene of judgment, with the winged figure holding scales that weigh a small creature against a tiny human, signifying the balance between good and evil.

Technique & Style

Created using the woodcut technique, the print is hand-colored in bold hues. The style is characterized by simple shapes and vibrant colors, typical of the period's approach to conveying religious narratives.

Artist & collection

Portrait of German 15th Century

Artist

German 15th Century

This 15th-century German artist carved vivid religious scenes into metal and wood, then hand-painted them in bright, symbolic colors.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.