Khan Academy: Master of Belmonte, Saint Michael

In this video [2:58] Met curator C. Griffith Mann on storytelling in the Master of Belmonte's Saint Michael, 1450-1500. The Archangel Michael is portrayed as a saint of the Church Militant. Armed with a coat of mail, a dagger, shield, and lance, he symbolizes Christ triumphant over evil. The demon at his feet is the Antichrist, whom Christ has conquered and cast out of heaven. The youthful beauty and sumptuous raiment of St. Michael combine with the rich courtly setting to form a stark visual contrast between the strength and splendor of the Church and the monstrous, defeated demon.