Archangel Michael vanquishing Satan

Northern Vietnam, 19th century
Painted wood, iron, glass
Asian Civilisations Museum [2011-01483]

The archangel Michael, as an ancient Roman warrior, stands in victory over Satan, described in Revelations as a dragon. He probably once held a spear and a balance, to weigh souls at the Last Judgement.

Christian missionaries arrived in Vietnam as early as the 17th century, but large-scale conversion peaked only during the French colonial period, 1887 to 1940. Painted wooden figures of Christ, the Virgin, and various saints decorated churches. Some were imported from France but many, like this figure, were made by local artists.