Images of Medieval Art and Architecture
Text from The Saints in Art with their attibutes and
symbols alphabetically arranged
by Margaret E.
Tabor
Fourth Editon: London, 1924
MICHAEL, ST. (the Archangel). (Ital. SAN MICHELE or SAMMICHELE.)
(29th
September)
The chief of the Celestial Host, and victor over the powers of evil. Hence
he represents the triumph of the spiritual over the material. He is the
Lord and Arbiter of souls, and the Guardian Angel of the Hebrews. He
appears in Old Testament scenes as the messenger angel. He also announced
her death to the Virgin Mary. (See ST. MARY VIRGIN.)
He is represented winged, with spear and shield, overcoming the dragon;
also with a banner and cross, sometimes with a sceptre; or weighing the
souls of men in a balance.
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Updated by Jane Vadnal, February, 1998