Aartsengel Michaël in gevecht met de draak 1595 - 1692

This engraving depicts the Archangel Michael in combat with the dragon, rendered by an anonymous artist. The iconography is rich: Michael, with his raised sword, embodies divine justice and spiritual strength, while the dragon symbolizes chaos and evil. Consider the enduring motif of the hero battling the beast. We see echoes of it in ancient myths, such as Perseus and Medusa, and even in later tales like Saint George and the Dragon. These narratives tap into a primal, collective memory—a subconscious desire to overcome darkness. Michael's triumphant stance, with his foot firmly planted on the dragon, is a recurrent theme throughout art history, signifying the victory of good over evil. This motif, deeply embedded in our cultural psyche, evokes a sense of hope and catharsis, engaging viewers on a profound, subconscious level. Observe how the dragon, though defeated, still writhes in agony. This representation carries an emotional weight, reminding us of the persistent struggle between opposing forces. The symbol of the dragon, initially a symbol of evil, evolves and transforms across cultures, sometimes embodying wisdom and power.