Aartsengel Michaël 1639 - 1670

This is Petrus Clouwet’s “Aartsengel Michaël”, an engraving on paper from the 17th century. The image is immediately striking for its dynamic composition and the stark contrast achieved through the etched lines. The archangel Michael, dominates the scene, standing powerfully over a defeated figure, presumably the devil. The formal arrangement of the figures creates a visual hierarchy, reinforcing the symbolic narrative. Michael’s raised arm, holding a strand of hair of the defeated figure, leads the eye upward, emphasizing his triumph. The lines are meticulously rendered, creating depth and texture, from the feathers of Michael’s wings to the scales of the serpent coiled around the devil. Clouwet masterfully employs line to define form, evoke emotion, and enhance the drama of the scene. The controlled lines create a sense of movement, capturing the moment of victory. This engraving, beyond its religious subject matter, showcases the technical skill and formal artistry that define Clouwet’s work, inviting us to consider the interplay between form and content in conveying powerful themes.