St. Michael Vanquishing Satan

The Archangel Michael, often seen in Last Judgement scenes weighing the souls of the dead, appears here victorious over Satan, as described in the Book of Revelation (12:7 ff.). Ignaz Günther’s figural group was probably intended to crown the canopy over a pulpit. Not only the location of the action in heaven but above all the composition’s conception to be seen from below suggest that an elevated position was envisaged for the group. The Counter-Reformation saw the Archangel Michael’s battle against the devil as a victory over the false doctrine of infidels. The reading of the Gospels, and the instructional sermon delivered from the pulpit, were placed in relation to the archangel’s triumph over Satan, the force of evil.