St. Michael on horseback
Provenance
Tyrol/Gröden
Age
Late 18th century
Size
62.0.0 cm x 45.0 cm
Previous owner
Austrian private collection
Description
St. Michael on horseback:
St. Michael, often depicted as the courageous archangel who defeats the devil, is a central motif in Christian art. In particular, the depiction of Michael on a horse riding into battle against evil symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. This powerful iconography shows Michael as a fearless warrior of God who, with his sword raised, defeats the forces of darkness. The sculptures and paintings that take up this motif often serve as an inspiring reminder of unshakeable faith and divine justice.
About the sculpture:
An outstanding example of this depiction is a sculpture made of lime wood, which was created at the end of the 18th century in Val Gardena, Italy. This full-round, carved figure shows St. Michael on a mighty horse while he stands over the defeated devil with his sword raised. The lime wood from which the sculpture was made has been carefully stained and oiled to emphasize the fine details and vibrancy of the scene.
The Archangel Michael sits high on his horse, his gaze determined, while the horse is depicted in a dynamic movement that emphasizes the drama of the moment. The defeated devil lies with his face contorted in fear at the feet of the archangel and his horse, symbolizing the triumphant victory of heaven over hell. This powerful depiction is based on the biblical story from the Book of Revelation (Revelation 12:7) and expresses the message of the victory of good over evil in an impressive way.
The stylistic features and artistic design of the sculpture clearly point to a Tyrolean work from the Val Gardena valley, a region famous for its masterful woodcarving. The figure is positioned on a pedestal and designed primarily for the front view, which makes it ideal for a prominent placement in a sacred space.
Despite its age, the sculpture is in a very good state of preservation, with replaced parts such as the horse’s hooves and the sword of St. Michael, which preserve the original character of the work of art.
Old original condition, with additions to the horse’s hooves and the saint’s sword.
Very good condition!