Saint Michael c. 16th century

Editor: This print, titled "Saint Michael," from the Harvard Art Museums, depicts a scene with a winged figure dominating a demon. The style is quite striking. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This image presents a complex intersection of religious belief and social anxiety. Saint Michael, often seen as a protector, is here actively subduing a demonic force. Consider the historical context: anxieties about heresy, disease, and social upheaval. How does the image function within that framework? Is it a simple story of good versus evil, or does it represent deeper social and political tensions? Editor: I see your point. It is more than just a religious scene. Curator: Exactly. The print might also reflect contemporary debates about power, authority, and the role of the church. The artist’s choices – the composition, the symbolism – all contribute to a layered narrative that speaks to the anxieties and aspirations of its time. Editor: Thanks, that gives me a lot to think about.