Saint Michael
5” x 20”” Oil and gold on wood panel
by Joshua Adam Risner
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In this painting Saint Michael the Archangel is depicted as a youthful, armored warrior locked in a dynamic struggle against a multi-headed serpentine dragon. The composition is strikingly vertical, emphasizing the celestial height from which the archangel descends. Rendered in a grisaille-inspired palette of deep ochre, sepia, and muted umber, the piece feels both timeless and atmospheric, reminiscent of classical liturgical art. Michael’s expression is one of serene focus rather than rage, contrasting with the chaotic, snapping jaws of the serpents coiled at his feet.