Archangel Michael

This Archangel Michael by Pontormo, dated to 1519 and held at the St Andreas Picture Gallery, depicts the militant archangel who leads the heavenly host against Satan. The subject was particularly significant during the Counter-Reformation period, when Saint Michael was invoked as the Church's defender. Pontormo's early treatment of the subject coincides with his work at San Michele Arcangelo, and the martial theme provided an opportunity to demonstrate his mastery of the dynamic, muscular figure influenced by Michelangelo.

The figure of Michael is depicted in a dynamic, twisting pose that shows Pontormo's study of Michelangelo's heroic figure types. The bold coloring — particularly the archangel's armor and wings — demonstrates the vivid chromatic palette that would become increasingly characteristic of Pontormo's Mannerist departures from High Renaissance convention.