Aartsengel Michaël doodt de draak 1684

Godfried Maes created this print of the Archangel Michael slaying the dragon in the late 17th century. Executed with delicate lines, the artist contrasts the muscular angel with the grotesque dragon, using light and shadow to emphasize the drama. This depiction of good overcoming evil resonated deeply in the Catholic culture of the Southern Netherlands at the time. The image reflects the influence of the Counter-Reformation, when the Catholic Church sought to reaffirm its authority. Prints such as this one served as powerful tools for religious instruction and propaganda, reinforcing the triumph of faith over heresy. The image suggests the social structures of the day in its allegorical representation of divine power against earthly chaos. By exploring the historical context and religious symbolism of this print, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural forces that shaped its creation and reception. It reminds us that art is always embedded in a web of meanings that can only be unraveled through careful historical inquiry.