Peter Paul Rubens
(1577-1640)
Der Engelsturz,
1621/22
Material / Technology / Carrier
Leinwand
Dimensions of the object
438 x 291,5 cm
Displayed
AP OG Saal VII
Acquisition
1806 aus der Galerie Düsseldorf
Stock
Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München
Citation
Peter Paul Rubens, Der Engelsturz, 1621/22, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Alte Pinakothek München, URL: https://www.sammlung.pinakothek.de/en/artwork/01G1EAeGkE (Last updated on 24.08.2023)
The Archangel Saint Michael, the symbolic figure of the Counter-Reformation, appears here as the guardian of the Church against the heretics who are put on a par with Protestants. His foot is firmly placed on the seven-headed dragon and he holds up his shield against it in defence. Above him, God the Father can be seen with the globe; the triangular nimbus is a reference to the Holy Trinity. The light figure that seems to blend into the heavens forms a counterpoint to the creature from Hell whose polymorphic body represents the demonic power of Satan.
