Who painted San Miguel Arcángel?

San Miguel Arcángel was painted by Blasco de Grañén in 1435.

Where can I see San Miguel Arcángel?

San Miguel Arcángel is held by Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.

What movement is San Miguel Arcángel?

San Miguel Arcángel is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Artwork

San Miguel Arcángel

Blasco de Grañén , 1435

San Miguel Arcángel is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Blasco de Grañén. It dates from 1435 and is held in the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1435 by the Aragonese painter Blasco de Grañén, this panel portrays the archangel Michael in a confrontational pose. The work belongs to the collection of the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya and exemplifies the devotional imagery typical of early 15th‑century Iberian art.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is the archangel Michael, identifiable by his armor, sword, and radiant halo. He stands triumphantly over a subdued demonic creature, a visual representation of the celestial victory over evil that was a common theme in medieval religious painting.

Technique & Style

Executed in the Gothic idiom with influences from the Northern Renaissance, the painting displays meticulous attention to the metallic sheen of the armor and the delicate rendering of the red wing. A warm, golden background provides a subtle contrast to the cooler tones of the figure, enhancing the three‑dimensional effect.

History & Provenance

Blasco de Grañén, who entered the service of King Juan II of Aragon in 1422, was a disciple of Juan de Leví. His career was largely devoted to ecclesiastical commissions, especially altarpieces. The panel eventually entered the national museum in Barcelona, where it remains on view.

Context

The work reflects the transitional period in Aragonese art when Gothic conventions began to absorb the naturalism and detail characteristic of the Northern Renaissance. Its iconography aligns with the devotional needs of the period, reinforcing the protective role of the archangel within the Christian liturgical framework.

Artist & collection

Artist

Blasco de Grañén

Blasco de Grañén (c. 1400, Zaragoza – October 1459, Zaragoza) (known as: "Master of Lanaja") was a Gothic painter active in Aragon from 1422. He became the appointed painter to Juan II of Aragon. His notable assistant,…