St. Michael c. 5th century

Editor: This ivory plaque of St. Michael is remarkable. He stands so serenely, holding what looks like an orb and a staff. What do you see in this piece, beyond the immediate representation? Curator: Look closely at the orb topped with a cross. It symbolizes dominion over the earth, a visual echo of imperial power projected onto a celestial being. Editor: So, even religious art borrows from existing power structures? Curator: Precisely. The artist uses well-established iconography to convey St. Michael’s authority. Notice the bare feet - he's standing on sacred ground, mediating between heaven and earth. Editor: That's fascinating. I didn't realize how much cultural weight images could carry. Curator: Indeed. Symbols connect us to a shared past, shaping our understanding of the present. It’s all about cultural memory.