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== 3.4 - Iconographic symbolism: attributes and gestures ==

=== 3.4.1 - The sword: justice, truth and spiritual combat ===

==== • Biblical and apocalyptic origins of the attribute ====
The sword is one of the most distinctive iconographic attributes of Saint Michael the Archangel, symbolising his role as defender of the faith and fighter against evil. In the Apocalypse of John, Michael leads the heavenly hosts in the battle against the dragon, representation of Satan, defeating him and driving him out of heaven . This episode has inspired numerous artistic representations, in which the Archangel is depicted with his sword drawn, ready to strike the enemy.

Iconographic typologies and postures

Over the centuries, the sword of St Michael has been depicted in various forms and postures:

• Straight sword with cross-shaped hilt: symbolises divine justice and Christian faith.

• Flaming sword: represents purification and divine light defeating darkness.

• Sword raised or pointed downwards: indicates imminent action or victory already achieved over evil, respectively.

In some representations, the sword is adorned with a cross at the top, emphasising the connection between the Archangel's militant action and divine grace.

Symbology in the fight against evil

The sword of St Michael is not only a physical weapon, but also a powerful spiritual symbol:

• Justice: represents the triumph of good over evil and the equity of divine judgement.

• Truth: symbolises the light of truth that dissolves the lies and illusions of the evil one.

• Protection: indicates the defence of the faithful against spiritual pitfalls and temptations.

The sword is thus emblematic of St Michael's mission as guardian of humanity and defender of the faith.

== Multimedia content ==

=== Images ===
[https://ruangbelajar-1047.blogspot.com/2021/02/iconografia-disegno-san-michele.html • St Michael Archangel with sword and scales]

[https://www.cavernacosmica.com/san-michele/ • St Michael Archangel - Cosmic Cave]

[https://amatoartesacra.it/product/arcangelo-san-michele-con-spada-e-scudo-cm-160/ • Statue of St Michael with sword and shield]

=== Video ===
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0volMPtI_xI The Sword of St Michael the Archangel: Symbol of Protection and Faith An in-depth look at the spiritual significance of the sword of St Michael and its representation in art.]

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtUfPjpZURE St Michael the Archangel: Warrior of God A documentary exploring the figure of St Michael as a defender of the faith and the symbolism of his sword.]

== Sources ==
[https://crocifissorutigliano.it/blog-del-santuario/la-spada-di-san-michele-arcangelo/ The Sword of St. Michael the Archangel: Symbol of Protection and Faith - crocifissorutigliano.it crocifissorutigliano.it]

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Michele_nella_Chiesa_cattolica St Michael in the Catholic Church - WikipediaWikipedia, the free encyclopaedia]

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_(arcangelo) Michael (archangel) - Wikipedia]

== 3.4.2 - The scales: judgement and discernment ==

=== • Psychostasy and the weight of souls ===
The scales is one of the most significant iconographic attributes associated with St Michael the Archangel, symbolising his role in the judgement of souls. This theme, known as psychostasy, has its origins in ancient Egypt, where the god Anubis weighed the hearts of the dead to determine their purity. In the Christian context, St Michael is often depicted weighing the souls of the dead, determining their eternal fate. An emblematic example of this depiction can be found in Hans Memling's Gdansk Triptych, where the Archangel is at the centre of the scene, intent on weighing souls with a pair of scales, while the blessed ascend to Paradise and the damned are dragged down to Hell.

=== The role of the Archangel in the Last Judgement ===
In the Last Judgement, St. Michael assumes the role of executor of divine justice, weighing souls to determine their salvation or damnation. This function was depicted in numerous medieval and Renaissance works of art. For instance, in Rogier van der Weyden's Polyptych of the Last Judgement, the Archangel is depicted weighing souls with a pair of scales, while Christ the Judge dominates the scene.

=== Oriental and medieval influences ===
The iconography of St Michael's scales shows significant influences from Eastern and medieval traditions. The idea of the weighing of souls derives from Egyptian mythology and spread through Coptic culture, influencing Christian art. In the Middle Ages, this symbolism was adopted and adapted, becoming a central element in representations of the Last Judgement. An example of this iconography can be found in the portal of Sainte-Foy Cathedral in Conques, where St Michael is sculpted weighing souls, with a devil attempting to tilt the scales in his favour.

== Multimedia content ==

=== Images ===
[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cattedrale_di_San_Giorgio_(Ferrara)?utm_source=chatgpt.com • Psychostasia - Cathedral of San Giorgio, Ferrara (12th century) High relief depicting the weighing of souls, located on the façade of the cathedral. Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia]

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Libro_dei_morti?utm_source=chatgpt.com Psychostasy - Papyrus of the Book of the Dead Scene of the weighing of the heart from the Papyrus of Ani, 19th dynasty Egypt. Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia]

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giudizio_universale_(Michelangelo)?utm_source=chatgpt.com Last Judgement - Michelangelo Buonarroti (1536-1541), Sistine Chapel, Vatican City Monumental fresco depicting the Last Judgement, with St. Michael weighing souls. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]

[https://www.alamy.it/fotos-immagini/arcangelo-michele-con-bilancia.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com St Michael Archangel with scales - Fresco in the Romanesque church of San Michele in Oleggio Fresco depicting St Michael with sword and scales for judgement Alamy]

=== Video ===
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Vp5ak2ht4w Psychostasy: from Egypt to medieval art and literature - Francesca Occhipinti An in-depth look at the symbolism of psychostasy and its evolution in Christian art.]

== Sources ==
[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_(arcangelo) Michael (archangel) - Wikipedia]

With sword and scales in hand - EVUS.EN

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trittico_di_Danzica Gdansk triptych - Wikipedia]

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polittico_del_Giudizio_universale Polyptych of the Last Judgement - Wikipedia]

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giudizio_Universale_(Sainte-Foy) Last Judgement (Sainte-Foy) - Wikipedia]

== 3.4.3 - The dragon: enemy defeated ==

=== • The dragon in Revelation and legends ===
In Christian iconography, the dragon represents evil, often identified with Satan. This symbolism finds its roots in the Apocalypse of John, where it tells of the heavenly battle in which Michael and his angels fight against the dragon and his followers, defeating them and driving them out of heaven. The dragon is described as a great red serpent with seven heads and ten horns, symbolising chaos and rebellion against God.

=== Demonological and apotropaic representations ===
Over the centuries, the image of St Michael defeating the dragon has been widely depicted in Christian art, symbolising the victory of good over evil. These representations also had an apotropaic function, i.e. protection against evil forces. For instance, Cimabue's fresco in the Upper Basilica of St Francis in Assisi shows Michael piercing the dragon, surrounded by demonic figures hurtling towards the earth.

=== Symbolic transformations over time ===
In the Renaissance, the iconography of St Michael defeating the dragon underwent a transformation, taking on more allegorical and moral connotations. An example is Raphael's painting 'St Michael and the Dragon', where the Archangel is depicted balancing on the neck of the monster, ready to strike it with his sword. The hellish landscape in the background, with burning cities and demonic figures, recalls Dante's descriptions of Hell.

== Multimedia content ==

=== Images ===
[https://www.museisenesi.org/museo/museo-civico-archeologico-e-darte-sacra-palazzo-corboli/?utm_source=chatgpt.com • St. Michael the Archangel slays the dragon - Ambrogio Lorenzetti (1337) Tempera on panel in the Museo Civico Archeologico e d'Arte Sacra Palazzo Corboli in Asciano (SI). museisenesi.org]

[https://catalogo.beniculturali.it/detail/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/0900282673?utm_source=chatgpt.com • St. Michael the Archangel and the Dragon - Antonio del Pollaiolo Processional banner painted in tempera on fabric, attributed to Antonio del Pollaiolo, kept at the Museo Stefano Bardini in Florence. General Catalogue of Cultural Assets]

[https://www.meisterdrucke.it/stampe-d-arte/German-School/659287/San-Michele-Arcangelo-che-sconfigge-Satana-raffigurato-come-un-drago.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com • St. Michael the Archangel defeating Satan depicted as a dragon - German School Artistic print depicting the Archangel Michael in the act of defeating Satan in the form of a dragon. MeisterDrucke]

[https://www.alamy.it/foto-immagine-la-scultura-di-san-michele-che-uccide-il-drago-romanica-del-xii-secolo-la-facciata-della-chiesa-di-san-pietro-extra-moenia-spoleto-103018398.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com • Romanesque relief of St Michael slaying the dragon - 12th century Marble sculpture depicting St Michael slaying the dragon, located on the façade of the church of San Pietro extra moenia in Spoleto. Alamy]

== Sources ==
[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Michele_e_il_drago St. Michael and the dragon - Wikipedia]

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Michele_e_il_drago_(Cimabue) St. Michael and the dragon (Cimabue) - Wikipedia]

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drago_dell%27Apocalisse Dragon of the Apocalypse - Wikipedia]

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_(arcangelo) Michael (archangel) - Wikipedia]

== 3.4.4 - The wings: heavenly messenger and divine presence ==

=== • Angelic meaning of wings ===
Wings are one of the most distinctive iconographic attributes of angels, symbolising their celestial nature and their role as messengers between heaven and earth. In Christian iconography, wings represent quickness in fulfilling the divine will and the ability to transcend the earthly world. According to the Focus.it article, angels began to be represented with wings from the 4th century onwards, to distinguish them from winged pagan deities such as Nike, the goddess of victory.

Iconographic Styles and Representations

Over the centuries, Christian art has developed different types of representation of angelic wings:

• Spread wings: symbol of action, readiness and divine mission.

• Closed or gathered wings: indicating contemplation, humility or silent presence.

• Multiple wings: as in seraphim and cherubim, they represent higher levels of the celestial hierarchy.

Wings are often adorned with golden or coloured details, emphasising their supernatural nature and the divine light they emanate. In Byzantine art, for instance, wings are often gilded, while in Gothic art they may have multi-coloured hues.

Spread wings, still, golden: stylistic variants

The stylistic variations of the angelic wings reflect different theological and artistic interpretations:

• Spread wings: used to emphasise dynamism and divine intervention, as in the Annunciation.

• Still or gathered wings: used to represent the silent and contemplative presence of angels.

• Golden wings: symbol of purity, divine light and celestial glory.

These variations are evident in numerous works of art, such as Giotto's frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel, where angels are depicted with detailed golden wings.

== Multimedia content ==

=== Images ===
[https://lorenarafala.altervista.org/tag/san-michele/ • St Michael the Archangel with outstretched wings]

[https://www.foliamagazine.it/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Pietro-Cavallini-Santa-Maria-Maggiore.jpg • Angel with golden wings - Medieval fresco]

[https://www.ricordapadrepio.it/Statua/San-Michele-Arcangelo/Statua-San-Michele-Arcangelo-35ACCol • Annunciation - Medieval mosaic with angel with coloured wings]

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST6xtH6XjFU • Statue of St Michael Archangel with closed wings]

=== Video ===
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST6xtH6XjFU Angels' wings in art - Iconography Course An in-depth look at the evolution of angelic wing representations in Christian art.]

== Sources ==
Since when are angels painted with wings? - Focus.co.uk

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angeli_nell%27arte Angels in art - Wikipedia]

What colour are angels' wings? - Art Sauce

Angels in art - Cristina Siccardi

== 3.4.5 - Armour: defence of faith and protection ==

=== • Military and crusader influences ===
The iconography of St. Michael the Archangel in armour draws inspiration from military representations of the time, reflecting the influence of the Crusades and the figure of the miles Christi, the 'soldier of Christ'. During the Middle Ages, armour symbolised not only physical protection, but also spiritual defence against the forces of evil. St Michael, often depicted with helmet, breastplate and sword, embodies the ideal of the heavenly warrior fighting for divine justice.

=== Iconography of the miles Christi (soldier of Christ) ===
In Christian art, the miles Christi represents the believer engaged in the spiritual struggle against sin and temptation. St Michael, as the leader of the celestial militia, is the emblem par excellence of this figure. His depictions in armour, often while defeating the devil, served

as a model and inspiration for the faithful, encouraging them to persevere in faith and virtue.

==== Symbolism of spiritual armour ====
The armour worn by St Michael is not just an aesthetic element, but carries a profound symbolic meaning. It represents the "armour of faith" mentioned in the Epistle to the Ephesians (Eph 6:13-17), where the Apostle Paul exhorts believers to put on the armour of God to resist the wiles of the evil one. In this context, each part of the armour has a meaning: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit.

== Multimedia content ==

=== Images ===
[https://www.abbazie.com/sanmichelearcangelo/index.html • St Michael Archangel in armour - Classical iconography]

[https://www.pinterest.com/pin/76631631137512051/ • St Michael Archangel - Statue with golden armour]

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Michele_Arcangelo_(Piero_della_Francesca) • Saint Michael Archangel - Painting by Piero della Francesca]

=== Video ===
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST6xtH6XjFU Spiritual Armour in the Bible - Ephesians 6:13-17 An in-depth look at the meaning of the spiritual armour described by St Paul and its representation in Christian art.]

== Sources ==
[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_(arcangelo) Michael (archangel) - Wikipedia]

[https://www.abbazie.com/sanmichelearcangelo/index.html St Michael Archangel - Abbeys.com]

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Michele_Arcangelo_(Piero_della_Francesca) Saint Michael Archangel (Piero della Francesca) - Wikipedia]

[https://www.cantualeantonianum.com/2010/09/icona-di-san-michele-arcangelo-passo.html Icon of St Michael Archangel - AntonianumCantuale Antonianum]

== 3.4.6 - Recurring gestures and postures ==

=== • The act of weighing ===
One of the most emblematic gestures of St Michael the Archangel is the weighing of souls, known as psychostasy. In this representation, the Archangel holds a scale to weigh the weight of souls, determining their eternal fate. This gesture symbolises divine justice and St Michael's role as judge of souls. A significant example can be found in the exterior fresco of St Catherine's Church in Breien, Val di Tires (Bolzano), where St Michael is depicted in the act of weighing a soul.

Arm raised with sword or spear

Another recurring posture is that of St Michael with his right arm raised, holding a sword or spear. This gesture represents the fight against evil and the defence of faith. In the painting preserved at the Castle of Racconigi, the Archangel is depicted with his sword raised, ready to strike the devil at his feet.

Stage positioning: above the devil, in the centre of judgement

In the iconography of the Last Judgement, Saint Michael is often positioned in the centre of the scene, between Christ the judge and the judged humanity. He is often depicted trampling on the devil, symbolising the victory of good over evil. In Hans Memling's Last Judgement Triptych, St. Michael occupies a central position, with the scales in his hand and the devil under his feet.

== Multimedia content ==

=== Images ===
[https://stock.adobe.com/images/l-arcangelo-michele-pesa-un-anima-affresco-esterno-della-chiesa-di-santa-caterina-a-breien-val-di-tires-bolzano/297423895 • St. Michael weighs a soul - Fresco in Breien (Val di Tires, Bolzano)]

[https://www.alamy.it/fotos-immagini/statua-in-bronzo-di-arcangelo-michele.html • St Michael Archangel with raised sword - Bronze statue]

[https://www.antichitacastelbarco.it/clientfiles/product/20230309184928_2.JPG • St Michael the Archangel tramples the devil - Painting by Maarten de Vos]

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trittico_di_Danzica • St. Michael the Archangel in Hans Memling's Last Judgement Triptych]

=== Video ===
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iN5Yd4hhOQ The Archangel Michael and the Weighing of Souls - Church of San Francesco in Montelparo A video exploring the fresco depicting St Michael in the act of psychostasy.]

== Sources ==
[https://www.rivieratime.news/una-bilancia-per-pesar-le-anime-iconografia-di-san-michele-arcangelo/ A scale for weighing souls: iconography of St Michael the Archangel - Riviera Time]

[https://catalogo.beniculturali.it/detail/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/0100399747?utm_source=chatgpt.com St. Michael the Archangel fights the devil - Catalogue of Cultural GoodsGeneral of Cultural GoodsCatalogue]

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trittico_di_Danzica Gdansk triptych - WikipediaWikipedia, the free encyclopaedia]

== 3.4.7 - Colours and ornaments ==

=== • The use of red, gold and blue in clothing ===
In the iconography of St. Michael the Archangel, the colours of clothing have profound theological meanings:

• Red: symbol of power, sacrifice and divine love.

• Gold: represents celestial glory and divine light.

• Blue: indicates transcendence and spirituality.

These colours, often combined, emphasise the dual nature of St Michael as warrior and divine messenger.

Decorative details and theological meanings

The ornaments in depictions of St Michael, such as gold decorations and gems, are not mere embellishments, but symbolise his purity, authority and connection to the divine. Elements such as the scales and the sword are often embellished with details that emphasise their spiritual significance.

=== Oriental and Byzantine influences ===
Byzantine iconography profoundly influenced the representation of St. Michael. In Eastern icons, the Archangel is often depicted wearing courtly dignitary robes, such as the loros, a long, gold, jewelled pallium, a symbol of imperial and celestial authority. This tradition helped consolidate the image of St Michael as a majestic and powerful figure.

== Multimedia content ==

=== Images ===
[https://www.holyart.it/it/articoli-religiosi/icone-sacre/icone-grecia-dipinte-e-serigrafate/icona-san-michele • Byzantine Icon of St Michael Archangel]

[https://boutique-di-lourdes.com/prod.php?IDArticle=21009&IDCat=22&SIDCat=27 • Byzantine icon of St. Michael the Archangel with golden details]

[https://www.sempriniarredisacri.it/icone/icona-san-michele-arcangelo-icona-stile-arte-bizantina-legno-rifinita-aureole-scritte-bordure-fatte-mano-produzione-greca-f050402sm • Byzantine icon of St Michael Archangel with golden loros]

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiesa_rupestre_di_Santa_Margherita_(Melfi) • Fresco of St Michael Archangel in the rock church of Santa Margherita (Melfi)]

== Sources ==
[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_(arcangelo) Michael (archangel) - Wikipedia]

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angeli_nell%27arte Angels in art - Wikipedia]

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiesa_rupestre_di_Santa_Margherita_(Melfi) Rock church of Santa Margherita (Melfi) - Wikipedia]

Pre-Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Iconography - iconecristiane.it

Iconographic symbolism: attributes and gestures - Revision history