Artwork
The Archangel Michael
The Archangel Michael is a print by Johannes Jakob Frey. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This mid‑nineteenth‑century print portrays the Archangel Michael in the act of subduing a serpentine monster. Rendered in black‑and‑white on paper, the composition is derived from a well‑known drawing by the Italian Baroque painter Guido Reni, and it was executed by the Swiss engraver Johannes Jakob Frey in 1850.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures the traditional Christian narrative of Michael’s triumph over evil, symbolized by the dragon beneath his feet. The archangel’s serene yet resolute expression, coupled with his raised sword, conveys divine authority and the victory of righteousness over chaos, a theme recurrent in religious art.
Technique & Style
Frey employs a stark chiaroscuro, using deep shadows and bright highlights to model the drapery and the creature’s scales. The engraving’s fine line work emphasizes the folds of Michael’s robes and the turbulent clouds above, creating a dramatic contrast that accentuates the central action.
History & Provenance
Created in 1850, the print was part of a broader 19th‑century interest in reproducing classic religious compositions for a wider audience. It entered the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it remains documented as an example of Frey’s skill in translating Reni’s composition into the print medium.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mid-19th-century religious prints by Johannes Jakob Frey bring Bible scenes and saints’ lives to paper.
