![arch angel arch angel](https://cdna.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/033/612/690/large/andrew-avvakoumides-low-res.jpg)
The wooden frame, which is original, bears arvings – heads of putti among clouds, and monsters descending into flames – which replicate the event shown in the central panel.Ĭhristoph Daniel Schenk took over the direction of his father’s workshop in Constance in about 1660. Claw-like hands and bat-like wings emphasise the ugliness of his body. The devil, by contrast, is naked and hunches over in the endeavour to shield his vulnerable nudity with his arms. The angel moves lightly and effortlessly with his wings and armour he looks like a hero of antiquity. His face is disfigured by long ears, horns, and wide open, wildly rolling eyes, and by his tongue, which hangs out of his mouth. The vanquished devil, his face distorted with fear and horror, is tumbling head-first into the flames. The archangel’s victory over the devil is won: Michael is shown in violent motion, wings spread and flaming sword held aloft, standing over the devil. This relief shows the victorious struggle of the Archangel Michael with the devil, as described in the Book of Revelation: “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not neither was their place found any more in heaven.”