Artwork
Pendant Medallion with Michael Slaying the Dragon
Pendant Medallion with Michael Slaying the Dragon is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1470 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This oval pendant features a painted depiction of a winged figure engaged in combat with a dragon.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The pendant medallion depicts the Archangel Michael in the act of slaying a dragon, a scene identified as the War in Heaven. As a work of religious art, the image serves as an allegory for the triumph of good over evil. The central figure is rendered as a man engaged in this celestial combat, embodying the spiritual conflict between divine forces and demonic entities.
History & Provenance
The provenance of the medallion prior to its acquisition by the Metropolitan Museum of Art is not addressed in the available sources.
The Pendant Medallion with Michael Slaying the Dragon dates to 1470, a date recorded for both its creation and its inception as a religious work depicting the War in Heaven. No information is available in the provided sources regarding the circumstances of its commission, the patron for whom it was produced, or the artist responsible for its execution; the work is documented as anonymous.
The provenance of the medallion prior to its acquisition by the Metropolitan Museum of Art is not addressed in the available sources. Its current location is the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is held in the collection as an anonymous religious painting.
The Pendant Medallion with Michael Slaying the Dragon is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work, dated to 1470, is classified as a religious painting depicting a scene from the War in Heaven. While the artist remains anonymous, the museum maintains the piece within its holdings. No specific accession number or detailed exhibition history is provided in the available records.
Overview
This oval pendant features a painted depiction of a winged figure engaged in combat with a dragon. Framed by a decorative metal border, the small artwork presents a vibrant scene. The central figure, rendered in white, stands triumphantly upon the green beast, wielding a sword. Rich gold and red accents fill the background, emphasizing the dramatic confrontation.
Technique & Style
The medallion's painted surface employs a distinct palette, featuring the archangel in white against the dragon's green and gold scales. The open-mouthed dragon adds to the dramatic tension, while the background's gold and red details contribute to the overall richness. The intricate metal frame further enhances the object's precious quality, characteristic of devotional art from the period.
Context
As a pendant, this object likely served a personal devotional purpose, intended to be worn or carried. Its imagery aligns with the broader artistic trends of the medieval era, where religious narratives were frequently rendered in portable forms. Such pieces not only conveyed spiritual meaning but also reflected the artistic conventions and material culture of the time.
Artist & collection
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Figure
The Martinoff Drawings
The Deposition
