Saint Michael and the Dragon

My name is Feely T. Heart, and I will be your guide today through one of our paintings: "Saint Michael and the Dragon." Painted in 1797, this powerful work by Francisco Goya hangs in the Toledo Museum of Art, and immediately draws your eye to the dramatic struggle unfolding before you. nn The painting depicts the Archangel Michael, a towering figure clad in shining silver and gold armor. He stands triumphantly atop a mountain of writhing bodies, his right foot pinning down a winged, horned figure representing the vanquished dragon. Notice the contrast between Michael’s divine power, illuminated by the light emanating from his sword, and the darkness engulfing the dragon below. nn Goya masterfully uses a dramatic color palette to heighten the sense of conflict. The Archangel’s blue tunic provides a splash of color against the metallic glint of his armor, while the background remains dark and tumultuous, except for a sliver of serene blue sky peeking through the clouds above. This contrast emphasizes the battle between good and evil, light and darkness, playing out on the canvas. nn "Saint Michael and the Dragon" is a compelling example of Goya's artistic brilliance and his engagement with the religious and political anxieties of his time. The painting’s themes of good versus evil and the struggle for dominance resonate even today, reminding us of the enduring power of art to grapple with complex human experiences.