Saint Michael the Archangel, Lombard painter of the 17th century

Lombard painter of the 17th century Saint Michael the Archangel Oil on canvas 139 x 75 cm - Framed 156 x 91 cm Antique painting depicting Saint Michael the Archangel, immortalized as a full-length figure, like a youth of ethereal beauty, both strong and delicate, whose large wings cover him like a shimmering armor, signifying his role as prince of of the heavenly hosts, and a shield decorated with grotesques. We see two of his quintessential symbols depicted here: the sword with which he defeated the rebellious Angel, lying submissively at his feet, and the scales with which he weighs souls before their final judgement. This is a fascinating painting by a Lombard painter active in the 17th century, who drew inspiration in his execution from the Polyptych of the Certosa di Pavia, commissioned by the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza, for the altar of the second chapel on the left, dedicated to Saint Michael. The original work was executed by Pietro Perugino, datable to 1499, and was developed over two registers: the Eternal Father above (still in place), and the three panels below with Saint Michael the Archangel (on the left), the Adoration of the Child (in the center) and Saint Raphael and Tobias (on the right) (1). The history of this work is interesting because, due to the suppression of the Carthusian order in 1782, it was purchased by Count Giacomo Melzi d'Eril and ended up in his collection, before eventually being sold in 1856 to the National Gallery of London, where it is still located. The only cymatium with the Eternal Father remained in place, while the missing panels were replaced by 17th century copies on canvases. These copies differ in part from Perugino's originals, due to the absence of landscaping (the figures are almost immersed in darkness) and the pictorial style, with the chiaroscuro passages interpreted in the manner of Leonardo da Vinci, and the darkening of Saint Michael's armor. Our canvas is inspired by these versions, created to replace the originals by Perugino (https://catalogo.beniculturali.it/detail/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/0300702290-4), which critics attribute with great probability to the painter Giacomo Antonio Santagostino (1588-1640). (1) Museo della Certosa di Pavia, Pietro Vannucci known as Perugino (ca.1450/1524) Link: http://www.museo.certosadipavia.beniculturali.it/index.php?it/23/capolavori-della-chiesa-di-santa-maria-delle-grazie/21/17-polittico-di-perugino Please note: Good condition. The canvas in the photo is illuminated by artificial gallery lights to make online viewing easier, but in reality it is darker. If in doubt, contact the gallery, we will be happy to send you some additional images. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work is complemented by a pleasant gilt frame and is sold with a certificate of authenticity and guarantee. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the Riva del Garda gallery, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any further information. Also follow us on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/