Artwork
The Fall of the Rebel Angels
The Fall of the Rebel Angels is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Frans Floris. It dates from 1554 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.
About this work
Overview
The Fall of the Rebel Angels is an oil on panel painting by Frans Floris, a Flemish artist. It was the central panel of a triptych, now incomplete due to the loss of its side panels.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a scene from Chapter 12 of the Book of Revelation, showing angels led by the Archangel Michael battling rebellious angels. It was commissioned by the fencer's guild of Antwerp, whose patron saint was Michael.
Technique & Style
The work features a dramatic and chaotic scene, with chiaroscuro creating depth and emphasizing the conflict between angels and demons. Bold colors and a dynamic composition draw attention to the central battle.
History & Provenance
Originally an altarpiece in Antwerp's Cathedral of Our Lady, the painting survived the iconoclastic fury of 1566, though its side panels did not. It is now housed at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Frans Floris, Frans Floris the Elder or Frans Floris de Vriendt (17 April 1519 – 1 October 1570) was a Flemish painter, draughtsman, print artist and tapestry designer.
