St Michael the Archangel Vanquishing the Rebel Angels

The Archangel Michael bursts in at the head of a group of angels armed with swords and pikes, hurling the angels rebelling against God into hell. His armed figure, sword drawn and shield seemingly glowing by its own light, is the fulcrum of the entire composition, giving order to the tangle of bodies overwhelmed by
the struggle. This large canvas was made for the Chapel of San Michele in the Dominican Church of San Giovanni Pedemonte in Como, which was demolished in the early 19th century. In the chapel, which belonged to the noble Gallio family of Como, there was also the lunette with St Michael the Archangel Triumphant
by Carlo Francesco Nuvolone. The commission for the work was given to Morazzone, one of the most prominent painters in Lombardy. This large canvas is certainly one of the painter’s most dramatic and spectacular compositions, showing the late Mannerist roots of his style and his whimsical virtuosity in the extravagant poses of the falling demons. (P. Vanoli)