Raphael’s St. Michael originally painted at the request of
Guidobaldo da Montefeltro duke of Urbino in 1504. The painting now resides in
the Louvre. St. Michael who is an archangel; leader of God’s heavenly host. The
painting institutes intrigue as the painting shows Saint Michael vanquishing a
demon underfoot. Which is quite possible to be a parallel on how the Duke of
Urbino at that time viewed himself as the Dukes of Urbino were renowned leaders
who were constantly fighting on different sides of conflicts.
The painting
itself was the first time Raphael painted St. Michael, it is set in a very dark
place similar to that of Dante’s Inferno vision of Hell. The lightest point of
the painting being the shield of St. Michael. The shield being a protective
device representative of how St. Michael is patron saint (protector) of those
who fight. (soldiers and police officers) This shows of how St. Micheal protects his own.
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Evan,
ReplyDeleteI think that the Archangel Michael being a representation of the Dukes of Urbino is a very fascinating idea. In a way I think it is a little crazy to compare oneself to an Angel, especially one of the more powerful Angels. But I can also see how a Duke of Urbino would most likely try, as you said they were not the most peaceful of people. Also I really like the interpretation of the painting, and the idea of the shield representing the protector. Neat painting and article.
Evan,
ReplyDeleteI think that the Archangel Michael being a representation of the Dukes of Urbino is a very fascinating idea. In a way I think it is a little crazy to compare oneself to an Angel, especially one of the more powerful Angels. But I can also see how a Duke of Urbino would most likely try, as you said they were not the most peaceful of people. Also I really like the interpretation of the painting, and the idea of the shield representing the protector. Neat painting and article.