The Archangel in the minor arts (jewellery, ex-votos, textiles)

3.5 - The Archangel in the minor arts (jewellery, ex-votos, textiles)

3.5.1 - Sacred jewellery

• Processional crosses and reliquaries depicting St Michael

Sacred gold work played a fundamental role in the cult of St Michael Archangel, with the creation of processional crosses and reliquaries of great value. A significant example is the silver processional cross of San Marco in Lamis, a masterpiece of 15th-century Abruzzi goldsmithing, decorated with figures of saints and plant motifs. These works not only served liturgical purposes, but were also an expression of popular devotion and the craftsmanship of the time.

Medallions, pectorals and devotional pendants

Medallions and pendants depicting St Michael were widespread as devotional objects, often worn as symbols of protection. Made of precious materials such as gold and silver, these jewels presented the image of the Archangel in a fighting stance, often defeating the devil. A contemporary example is the St Michael Archangel medal in 18 kt yellow gold, available on Vaticanum.com, which combines iconographic tradition with the sophistication of modern goldsmithing.

Enamel, silver and gold work

Sacred goldsmithing techniques included the use of coloured enamels, silver filigrees and gilding. An emblematic example is the reliquary of the Holy Thorn, which features enamelled relief figures and gold detailing, demonstrating the artisans' skill in combining precious materials and complex techniques to create works of great visual and spiritual impact.

Multimedia content

Images

• Reliquary with stone from the grotto of St. Michael the Archangel

• St Michael Archangel medal in 18 kt yellow gold

• Silver processional cross of San Marco in Lamis

Video

Saint Michael Archangel medal - mm32 925 silver

A detailed presentation of a silver medal depicting St Michael the Archangel, highlighting the craftsmanship quality and devotional significance of the object.

Sources

Museum of the Basilica of St. Michael Archangel - Wikipedia

Treasure of the Holy Crosses - Wikipedia

Reliquary of the Holy Thorn - Wikipedia

Vaticanum.com - Saint Michael Archangel Medal

3.5.2 - Ex-votos and votive objects

• Metal offerings and votive tablets in churches and shrines

Devotion to St Michael the Archangel has manifested itself through a vast production of ex-votos, which include painted tablets, metal objects and ceramics. These objects, offered in gratitude for graces received, can be found in numerous shrines dedicated to the Archangel. A significant example is the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo in Monte Sant'Angelo, which houses a rich collection of ex-votos in its Devotional Museum.

Recurring themes: healings, protection, salvation

Ex-votos often depict scenes of escaped danger, miraculous healings and protection during voyages or battles. For instance, an ex-voto from 1868, preserved in Procida, depicts the crew of a brig saved from a storm thanks to the intercession of St Michael.

Historical Collections and Museum Cataloguing

In addition to the Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo, other institutions preserve collections of votive tablets dedicated to Saint Michael. The Civic Museums of Belluno, for instance, present a collection of votive tablets bearing witness to popular devotion and local traditions.

Multimedia content

Images

• Painted ceramic votive shrine depicting St Michael Archangel

• Votive tablet depicting a healing scene

• A seafaring ex-voto representing a ship in a storm

• Collection of votive tablets at the Belluno Civic Museums

Video

A token of thanks to the Cristo de Sacromonte

An analysis of an ex-voto from 1877, painted on tin, illustrating the tradition of ex-votos as an expression of gratitude for graces received.

Ex-Votos (Special Narrative Paintings) Inspired by Frida Kahlo

An overview of the Mexican tradition of ex-votos, with references to the influence of Frida Kahlo and the cultural importance of these narrative works.

Sources

Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo - Visit Puglia

Miracle of St Michael Archangel - Cultural Goods Catalogue

St Michael and the Pastoral Ways - St Michael's Path

Votive tablets - Gargano Verde

Presentation of the Gallery of Votive Tablets - Italia NostraItalia Nostra - Tuscan Archipelago

Votive tablets - Musei Civici di Belluno ilmortodafeltre.it+2mubel.comune.belluno.it+2Alfonsine Mon Amour+2

3.5.3 - Liturgical Fabrics and Vestments

• Embroideries with angelic figures in chasubles and frontals

Liturgical fabrics, such as chasubles and frontals, were often decorated with embroideries depicting angelic figures, including St. Michael the Archangel. A significant example is the antependium embroidered to a design by Domenico Piola (1627-1703), kept in the Diocesan Museum in Genoa, which features detailed floral motifs and angelic figures.

Priestly robes with the image of St Michael

Priestly vestments, such as chasubles and stoles, sometimes feature the image of Saint Michael the Archangel. For instance, there are embroidered appliqués depicting the Archangel used to decorate liturgical vestments, such as the one available on Vestment.co.uk, which shows St. Michael with a sword and scales.

Byzantine and medieval marquetry and textiles

Byzantine and medieval textiles were known for their intricate inlays and decorative motifs. For instance, Byzantine textiles often featured geometric and symbolic motifs, used in liturgical vestments to symbolise theological concepts.

Multimedia content

Images

• Liturgical fabric with Byzantine motifs

• Paliotto embroidered to a design by Domenico Piola

• Embroidered appliqué of St Michael the Archangel

• Historical fabrics with Byzantine motifs

Video

Easter traditions in Genoa and Liguria: Sepolcri and Cartelami

An in-depth study of Ligurian liturgical traditions, with a focus on the decorative apparatuses and fabrics used during Easter celebrations.

Read the articleMunicipalityof Genoa

Sources

Diocesan Museum of Genoa - Paliotto embroidered on a drawing by Domenico PiolaMuseums of Genoa+2museodiocesanogenova.it+2museodiocesanogenova.it+2

Vestment.co.uk - St. Michael the embroidered appliquéACKERMANN- Archangel CHASUBLES

Vaticanumcom - Liturgical fabric with Byzantine motifsivaticanum..com

Alamy - Historical fabrics with motifsAlamyByzantine

3.5.4 - Coins, seals and medals

• Coins minted in honour of the Archangel (e.g. Amalfi Mint)

The iconography of Saint Michael the Archangel played a significant role in medieval coinage. The first ruler to depict a saint on a coin was Cunipertus (688-700), a Lombard king, who introduced the image of St. Michael on gold tremisses, replacing the traditional symbol of Victory with that of the Archangel, patron of the Lombard people converted to Christianity .

Later, the Mint of Amalfi minted coins depicting St Michael, highlighting the importance of the micaelic cult in the region. These coins, often in gold, presented the Archangel in the act of defeating the devil, symbolising the victory of good over evil.

Ecclesiastical seals and medieval sealography

In the Middle Ages, seals were fundamental tools for authenticating documents and guaranteeing ecclesiastical authority. St Michael, as defender of the faith, frequently appeared in the seals of bishops and religious institutions. These seals, engraved on metal or wax, depicted the Archangel with sword and scales, emphasising his role as judge and protector.

Commemorative and devotional medals (modern and contemporary age)

Devotion to St Michael has also manifested itself through the production of commemorative and devotional medals. In 1898, on the occasion of the coronation of the simulacrum of the Holy Crucifix in the Sanctuary of San Michele in Recco, medals were minted in various sizes, depicting the image of the Crucifix and devotional inscriptions .

In contemporary times, the Vatican has issued coins dedicated to the Archangels, including a 200 euro gold coin depicting St Michael, highlighting the Archangel's continued relevance in Christian tradition.

Multimedia content

Images

• Devotional medal depicting St Michael Archangel

• The Vatican's 200 euro gold coin dedicated to St. Michael

• Seal of Archangel Michael

• Medal commemorating the Coronation of the Crucifix in Recco

Video

Saint Michael Archangel 925 silver medal - Amazon.co.uk

An overview of a silver medal depicting St. Michael the Archangel, available for purchase online, with details on design and symbolism.

Sources

St Michael Archangel - Coins of the Barbarian Kingdoms - LaMoneta.it Lamoneta.it+1Lamoneta.it+1

Longobard coinage - WikipediaWikipedia, the encyclopaediaPortable metal or wooden icons

3.5.5 - Pocket Icons and Portable Objects

Portable metal or wooden icons

Portable icons depicting St Michael the Archangel are widespread in various Christian traditions. Made of metal or wood, often with gold leaf detailing, these icons are used for personal devotion and as travel objects. For instance, a handmade Byzantine icon of the Archangel Michael, painted on wood with metal trim, is available on Etsy.

Travel and protective items (e.g. scapulars, crucifixes)

Scapulars and portable crucifixes are used as symbols of protection and faith. A fabric scapular depicting the Shield of St Michael is available at the Lourdes Boutique. In addition, a 1.5-inch men's crucifix with the image of St Michael, made of alloy with a stainless steel chain, can be found on Etsy.

Handicraft production and popular dissemination

The handcrafted production of icons and devotional objects dedicated to St Michael is widespread in several regions. For example, the Archangel Michael icon available on Byzantine World is silkscreen printed on gold leaf and silk, applied on wood and entirely handcrafted. These objects are often used as religious gifts or for personal devotion.