Jacopo Cestaro
St. Michael expelling the Rebel Angels

About the Item

This representation of Saint Michael fighting Satan shows a dynamic composition enriched by the special use of color together with an intense chiaroscuro that serves to give the work a special atmosphere. Areas of intense color are created together with darkness, light and reflections that highlight poses, bodies, as well as flying forms or intense glows. On the central axis that organizes the composition, the triumphant figure of the archangel about to beat a figure, incarnation of evil, stands out. Represented using a sotto in su view, that is, from the bottom up, Miguel's triumphant pose stands out while leaving no doubts about the defeated attitude of the demonic being who appears naked lying on the ground. The formula makes possible to clearly highlight the outcome of the fight, his triumphant figure unfolds occupying a large part of the work, showing a clear attitude of combat, endorsed with the sword that he brandishes in his right, and the shield and armor that cover him. His person is further energized with the great cape that flies, highlighting the pose of his body arched and thrown forward to attack the representatives of Evil. The work, with its color, its chiaroscuro, and its dynamism, is an interesting sample of the neo-Baroque expressions of the 18th Century, the period in which Jacopo Cestaro carried out his activity. Born in Bagnoli Irpino (Avellino) possibly in 1718, he carried out works for churches in his birthplace, also for various churches in Naples and worked on the royal palace in Genoa. It is assumed that he died between 1785 and 1789.

Creator:

Jacopo Cestaro (1718 - 1785, Italian)

Dimensions:

Height: 27.56 in (70 cm)Width: 16.54 in (42 cm)

Medium:

Canvas,Oil

Period:

Mid-18th Century

Condition:

Gallery Location:

Brooklyn, NY

Reference Number: