Archangel Michael

This statue was produced by the RAFFL foundry and is listed in the foundry’s catalog No. 59.
It follows the model of the painting "St. Michael Defeating the Devil," painted by Raphael in 1518, which is preserved in the Louvre Museum.

The Archangel Michael balances on his right foot, which rests on the demon’s back. With both hands, he holds his lance against the back of the winged devil, who is cast onto a rock, twisting his horned head toward his adversary. The artistic execution of both figures is particularly striking. The Diabolus, the "twister," is himself an embodiment of distortion—his head unnaturally turned, revealing a grotesque, hate-filled face glaring at his opponent. In contrast, Archangel Michael wields his lance with unwavering confidence, exuding serenity and transcendence, as if he need not fight at all.

Both artistically and theologically, this is a masterful interpretation of the theme.