Who painted Saint Michael?

Saint Michael was painted by German 15th Century in 1450.

Where can I see Saint Michael?

Saint Michael is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint Michael?

Saint Michael is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Saint Michael

German 15th Century , 1450

Saint Michael is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1450 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work is a hand‑colored woodcut titled Saint Michael. It depicts a solitary figure armed with a sword and a round shield bearing the monogram IHS, surrounded by a dynamic composition of green foliage and orange feather‑like forms against a predominantly dark background punctuated by small birds and flowers.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure represents the archangel Michael, a warrior saint in Christian tradition. The shield’s IHS emblem, a Christogram, underscores the work’s devotional intent, linking the archangel’s martial role to the protection of the Christian faith.

Technique & Style

The image was produced by carving a design into a wooden block, inking the raised surfaces, and then applying pigments by hand. This combination of relief printing and manual coloration allows for vivid contrasts, such as the bright greens and oranges set against the deep shadows of the background.

Context

Woodcut prints with hand‑coloring were common in early modern Europe, especially for religious subjects intended for private devotion or small chapels. The use of the IHS monogram reflects the influence of the Jesuit order, which popularized the symbol from the 16th century onward.