Juan Pedro López, Saint Michael the Archangel, 1760, Oil on Canvas, Framed

Details

Description

Spanish Colonial School, 18th Century

Attributed to Juan Pedro López
(Caracas, Venezuela, 1724 - 1787)

Saint Michael the Archangel

Oil … Read more Spanish Colonial School, 18th Century

Attributed to Juan Pedro López
(Caracas, Venezuela, 1724 - 1787)

Saint Michael the Archangel

Oil on canvas
91 x 69 cm - Framed 105 x 85 cm

The canvas depicts a splendid Saint Michael the Archangel Subduing the Devil, the work of a talented 18th-century Spanish painter, distinguished by a particularly solemn and spectacular Baroque style.

Called Prince of the Heavenly Hosts, the most powerful of the angels, he represents Good defeating Evil, trampling Satan and casting him back into the underworld.

The composition features a consolidated iconographic scheme, with the Archangel Michael depicted as a youth of rare beauty, reminiscent of the classic image of a warrior with a simple tunic and a plumed helmet on his head.

Strong yet delicate, his wings outstretched, he protects himself with an imposing shield, while he raises his flaming sword, ready to strike the victory blow against the rebel angel.

The shield features the monogram of the Latin phrase "Quis sicut Deus?" (literally, "Who is like God?"), a rhetorical question attributed to the Archangel Michael, leader of the ranks of angels faithful to God, who uttered it while attacking the rebel angels led by Lucifer when they questioned God's power.

The painting, dating to the mid-18th century, is part of the rich Spanish colonial production. Its stylistic traits perfectly match the works of Juan Pedro López (Caracas, Venezuela, 1724–1787), a central figure in the development of colonial art and considered one of the most important and ardent artists of the colonial period.

As a painter, sculptor, and gilder, he illuminated the dark art of his time with the light and grace of Spanish-American Rococo.

His work, primarily focused on religious painting due to the commissions he received, followed a style largely derived from the aesthetics prevalent in Spain. After the European conquest of America, new schools of painting developed in the "New Continent," with the aim of producing works to decorate the numerous churches being built everywhere and the stately homes of rulers.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is completed by a lacquered wood frame and is sold with a certificate of authenticity and an iconographic . This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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