Michael the Archangel Contending with the Devil about the Body of Moses 1796 - 1797

This pen and wash drawing by Nicolai Abildgaard depicts the biblical story of Michael the Archangel contending with the Devil for the body of Moses. The drawing, created between 1796 and 1797, is part of a series of sketches by Abildgaard exploring the themes of good versus evil. The artist utilizes dramatic lines to convey the tension of the struggle, capturing the essence of this iconic scene from the Book of Jude. The presence of the Ten Commandments in the lower left foreground adds a powerful symbolic layer to the composition. This work showcases Abildgaard's mastery of drawing and his interest in religious subject matter.