Saint Michael Triumphs over the Devil

Saint Michael Triumphs over the Devil

1468, Bartolomé Bermejo
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Room 63

Probably the central panel of an altarpiece which was formerly in the church of San Miguel in Tous, near Valencia.

The kneeling donor is Antonio Juan, Lord of Tous. He holds a psalter open at two penitential Psalms (Psalms 51 and 130). The heavy chain and sword indicate that he is a knight.

Bermejo's mastery of the Netherlandish technique of painting in oil can be seen in the modelling of the donor's head, in Saint Michael's crystal shield and in the reflections of the Heavenly City on his breastplate.

Key facts

Artist
Bartolomé Bermejo
Artist dates
about 1440 - after 1495
Full title
Saint Michael triumphant over the Devil with the Donor Antonio Juan
Date made
1468
Medium and support
Oil and gold on wood
Dimensions
179.7 x 81.9 cm
Inscription summary
Signed
Acquisition credit
Bought by Private Treaty Sale with a grant from the American Friends of the National Gallery, London, made possible by Mr J. Paul Getty Jnr’s Endowment Fund, 1995
Inventory number
NG6553
Location in Gallery
Room 63

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