Michael the Archangel Item Number: 3188/5 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Gouache paint on thin cardboard. The archangel Michael fills the picture, facing front, feet turned to the sides, hands gripping a raised sword and striped scabbard. His head is large with prominent eyes, brow and nose, and a multi-coloured halo. Figure wears an elaborate robe and armour with decorative stripes and circular patterns. Large wings show behind and above his shoulders, with fine patterning in dots, zigzags and stripes. A border has been painted around the image at the edges of the cardboard in dark orange and grey.
Narrative
This painting depicts the Archangel Michael as a holy warrior, reflecting his role as the defeater of evil. Michael the Archangel is believed to provide protection and miracles to his devotees, as an intermediary between God and his believers. The use of cardboard indicates this painting was likely created to be affordable and portable for its owner as a personal religious icon.
Item History
- Made in Ethiopia before 1950
- Collected during 1972
- Owned by Edward Harvey and Lorna Marsden before July 15, 2016
- Received from Edward Harvey (Donor) and Lorna Marsden (Donor) on July 15, 2016
What
- Name
- Michael the Archangel
- Identification Number
- 3188/5
- Type of Item
- painting
- Overall
- height 33.6 cm, width 23.1 cm
Who
- Culture
- Ethiopian
- Previous Owner
- Edward Harvey and Lorna Marsden
- Received from
- Edward Harvey (Donor) and Lorna Marsden (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Ethiopia
When
- Creation Date
- before 1950
- Collection Date
- during 1972
- Ownership Date
- before July 15, 2016
- Acquisition Date
- on July 15, 2016
Other
- Item Classes
- paintings; works on paper
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 3188/0005