St. Michael and the dragon 

Editor: This watercolor piece depicts St. Michael and the Dragon, rendered in what I believe to be the medieval style. There’s such a stark contrast between the ethereal St. Michael and the somewhat goofy looking dragon he’s battling. It gives the piece a whimsical feel, despite the serious subject matter. How do you interpret the imagery? Curator: Whimsical is an interesting take! To me, this St. Michael isn't fearsome, but serene, confident. The colors, faded as they are, suggest a delicate spirituality. Think of the context: a hand-painted manuscript page, likely meant to inspire reflection. I wonder, what does the dragon symbolize to you? Evil subdued? Perhaps something deeper? Editor: Well, I suppose the dragon does represent the kind of chaos St. Michael is meant to overcome. But look at St. Michael's stance; it's like he’s barely breaking a sweat. He’s holding what appears to be the world, effortlessly standing atop the dragon. The juxtaposition of the holy figure and this supposedly terrifying beast just strikes me as humorous. Curator: It’s a compelling visual metaphor. You are quite right, it lacks dramatic tension. But maybe the humor invites us to ponder our own struggles with inner “dragons”? What if the ease with which Michael triumphs is less about power, and more about faith and grace? These artists weren't aiming for blockbuster thrills; they sought to illuminate a path. Does seeing it this way alter your interpretation? Editor: That's a great point. I hadn't thought of it that way, but framing it as inner strength rather than outward battle really reframes the whole image. It’s not just about defeating the monster; it's about that inner peace that lets St. Michael stand so calmly. Curator: Precisely! Art can be so powerful because it prompts those moments of introspection, whether through a grand epic or a…dare I say, “goofy” dragon. Editor: It makes the piece more accessible, I guess. Seeing my own struggles reflected there helps the art achieve its real objective.