The Archangel Michael Defeating Satan c. 17th century

"The Archangel Michael Defeating Satan" is a 17th-century anonymous drawing housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The black chalk drawing depicts a scene from Christian tradition, where Archangel Michael battles Satan, a popular subject of Renaissance and Baroque art. This preparatory sketch, likely for a larger composition, demonstrates the artist's skill in capturing the dynamic movement and powerful presence of the figures through gestural lines and subtle shading. The sketch, measuring 9 15/16 x 6 1/8 in. (25.24 x 15.56 cm), highlights the artist's interest in anatomical study and composition.