The Archangel and the Demon: The Battle for a Saint's Soul in a 19th Century Italian Drawing.

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The Archangel and the Demon: The Battle for a Saint's Soul in a 19th Century Italian Drawing.

Dimensions: 28 cm x 43 cm
Ink drawing on paper.

This captivating ink drawing on paper from the 19th century depicts a scene of profound spiritual intensity and rich symbolism. At the center of the work, a devout man lies on his deathbed, holding a crucifix, surrounded by various religious figures. Among these, saints, popes, cardinals, and a bishop with a mitre are clearly recognizable. Saint Joseph, with his traditional flowering branch, symbolizing his biblical marriage to the Virgin Mary, is particularly distinctive.

The grotesque expressions and exaggerated mimicry of the figures suggest a subtle critique by the artist of the sacred iconography of the time, giving the scene a unique emotional complexity and critical reflection.

On the left side of the drawing, an archangel with striking physical beauty fights for the man's soul, while on the right, a horned demon covers his ears, disturbed by the incessant prayers of the saints and believers. This scene symbolically portrays the battle between good and evil, a universal and timeless theme.

Above, winged cherubs are drawn with a quick stroke reminiscent of the classical school of the 18th century. However, the overall work reflects a 19th-century artistic sensibility, blending realism and idealization.

Dimensions: 28 cm x 43 cm

Condition: Original condition with some color alterations on the paper due to aging.