작품 상세

Attributed to Luisa Roldán, La Roldana (Seville, 1656 - Madrid, 1704) “Saint Michael the Archangel” Carved, gilded and polychromed wooden sculpture. Maximum measurements 65 cm x 34 x 20 cm. An example with very similar characteristics to this sculpture is one that is part of the Ottawa Museum collection in Canada, which is attributed to La Roldana. In our opinion, this Saint Michael is of better and more delicate workmanship. This magnificent sculpture portrays one of the three archangels, Saint Michael, conqueror of the devil and prince of the angelic militia. He is depicted according to the most common iconography, wearing Roman-style soldier's armour and hose, and defeating the devil with his spear. The latter appears at his feet as a diabolical figure. The demon deserves a special mention due to its singularity and prominence. At the feet of the archangel, he burns in flames, and the artist has conveyed his torment with great realism, showing him scratching his head, twisted and with truly monstrous facial features. Undoubtedly the work of a master sculptor, it portrays a young and beautiful Saint Michael with delicate features and curly hair. The whole is harmonious and suggests an Italianate inspiration. The ornamental work on the polychromy of the clothing is magnificent and of great chromatic richness, being at the same time warm, and elaborate down to the smallest detail. The same can be seen in the saint's flesh tones. Also noteworthy is the important carving work on the clothes and the archangel's gesture, which gives the whole a sense of movement and expressiveness. Antiques.