18th-century Spanish Colonial School
Attributed to Juan Pedro López
(Caracas, Venezuela, 1724 - 1787)
Saint Michael the Archangel
Oil on canvas
91 x 69 - Framed 105 x 85 cm
The canvas depicts a splendid Saint Michael the Archangel subduing the demon, a work by a talented painter of Spanish origin in the 18th century, distinguished by a distinctly Baroque language that is particularly solemn and spectacular.
Appointed Prince of the heavenly hosts, the most powerful of the angels, he represents Good conquering Evil, trampling Satan to cast him back into the underworld.
The composition follows a consolidated iconographic scheme, with the Archangel Michael depicted as a young man of rare beauty who echoes the classic image of the warrior with a simple tunic and a feathered helmet on his head.
Strong and delicate at the same time, with wings spread, he protects himself with an imposing shield, while raising the flaming sword ready to strike the victorious blow against the rebellious angel.
On the shield is the monogram of the Latin phrase 'Quis sicut Deus?' (literally "who is like God?"), a rhetorical question attributed to the Archangel Michael, leading the hosts of angels faithful to God, who pronounced it against the rebellious angels led by Lucifer, when he questioned the power of God.
The painting, datable to the mid-18th century, should be placed within the rich Spanish colonial production, and its stylistic characteristics perfectly overlap with the works of the painter Juan Pedro López (Caracas, Venezuela, 1724 - 1787), a central figure in the development of colonial art, and considered one of the most important and sought-after artists of the colonial period.
As a painter, sculptor and gilder he illuminated the gloomy art of his time with the light and grace of Spanish-American Rococo.
His work, based in particular on religious painting due to commissions received, followed a style that derived largely from the aesthetics prevalent in Spain. After the conquest of America by the Europeans, new ranks of pictorial schools developed in the 'New Continent', with the intention of producing works to decorate the numerous churches that were being built everywhere, and the stately homes of the rulers.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The painting is completed by a lacquered wooden frame and is sold with a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic sheet.
We handle and organise the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.
In the event of the purchase of the work by non-Italian customers, it will be necessary to obtain an export permit, which takes approximately 10/20 days, our gallery will take care of the entire phase up to obtaining it. All costs of this procedure are included.
Please contact us for any information, we will be happy to answer you.
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