Artwork
St. Michael overcoming the evil spirits
St. Michael overcoming the evil spirits is a print by Jacobus Neefs. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Jacobus Neefs produced a paper print in 1650 that illustrates the triumph of Saint Michael over malevolent spirits. The composition is derived from an earlier painting by Peter Paul Rubens, and Neefs’ hand is confirmed by his signature, rendered as “Neeffs,” on the work.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures a celestial conflict: Saint Michael, winged and armed with a sword, hovers above a fallen, muscular figure clutching a globe, symbolizing defeated evil. Surrounding them are additional winged entities, some bearing animal heads, whose frantic gestures intensify the sense of chaos and divine victory.
Technique & Style
Neefs employs a stark chiaroscuro, using deep shadows to isolate the combatants against a dim sky. The dramatic illumination highlights the swords and musculature, allowing the viewer to discern the narrative despite the crowded composition. This contrast of light and darkness is characteristic of mid‑seventeenth‑century printmaking.
History & Provenance
Created in the mid‑1600s, the print reflects the widespread practice of reproducing Rubens’ religious scenes for a broader audience. The work bears Neefs’ signature, confirming his role as the engraver. Its survival on paper suggests it circulated among collectors of devotional imagery during the Baroque period.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Jacobus Neefs spent his quiet life turning religious drama into print. His engravings weren’t calm Sunday-school scenes; they staged battles in swirling smoke and jagged light, every line charged like a drawn sword. One…
