Modern Art Monday Presents: Bartolome Bermejo, Saint Michael Triumphs Over The Devil

st michael triumphs over the devil photo by gail worley
Photo By Gail

In Saint Michael Triumphs Over the Devil (1468) the archangel Michael is shown defeating the devil, portrayed as a monstrous part- reptile / part-bat creature. The kneeling figureis Antoni Joan, lord of Tous, whose prayer book is  open at two penitential psalms (51 and 130). This painting is the center panel of an alterpiece formerly located in the parish church  of Tous, near Valenica, Spain.
One of the leading Spanish painters of the 15th century, Bermejo was active in Valenicia and Barcelona. His mastery of the Netherlandish technique of oil painting suggests he may have trained in that area.

Photographed in the National Gallery in London

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