Artwork
Arhanghelul Mihail
Arhanghelul Mihail is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Iacov Zugravul. It dates from 1746 and is held in the collection of the Alba Iulia Orthodox Archdiocese.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1746 by Iacov Zugravul, the work titled Arhanghelul Mihail is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The image presents a single, winged figure rendered against a luminous gold backdrop, framed by a striking red halo. The composition combines vivid coloration with ornamental detailing, offering a clear example of mid‑18th‑century religious visual culture.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure bears the attributes of an angelic being: expansive wings, a sword held aloft, and a cup in the opposite hand. The sword suggests martial protection, while the cup may allude to sacramental rites or divine offering. Dressed in an orange robe trimmed with gold patterns, the figure embodies both celestial authority and liturgical function.
Technique & Style
Zugravul’s handling of color and light reflects Baroque sensibilities, particularly the dramatic contrast between the radiant gold background and the deep red aureole surrounding the head. The use of gilded surfaces and dynamic pose creates a sense of movement and spiritual intensity, while the detailed rendering of the braided hair and fabric folds demonstrates a skilled, painterly approach.
History & Provenance
Since its creation in the mid‑1700s, Arhanghelul Mihail has remained within the holdings of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as part of the institution’s representation of regional religious art. The work’s provenance is documented through museum records, confirming its attribution to Zugravul and its continuous preservation within the collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Iacov Zugravul’s small surviving body of work shows biblical scenes painted on wood or drawn in ink, made in the mid-1700s.
