Saint Michael the Archangel

This splendid little painting shows the archangel Michael, who is identified by his attributes, the sword, scales and armour, sitting down after defeating the devil, who lies crushed at his feet. The work came to the Ambrosiana only in the early twentieth century and we do not know who commissioned it. It should however be recalled that Giulio Cesare Procaccini played a very important role in the artistic reform promoted by Federico Borromeo, who entrusted him with some important works, including some of the quadroni of the cycle of miracles of Saint Charles Borromeo made for the Duomo. Even though this painting is small and possibly a study for an altarpiece, it clearly reveals the talent and inventiveness of this brilliant artist.