Saint Michael Weighing Souls

Juan de la Abadía was a Hispano-Flemish painter active in Huesca, Aragon, during the late fifteenth century. This panel of Saint Michael weighing souls dates to around 1490 and reflects the strong Netherlandish influence on Aragonese painting transmitted through itinerant Flemish artists and imported works. The subject of the psychostasis, or weighing of souls, was particularly popular in Spanish altarpieces.

Oil and tempera on panel combining Netherlandish detail with the vivid coloring characteristic of Aragonese painting. Saint Michael's armor and the surrounding details show meticulous craftsmanship.