Saint Michael the Archangel and the Devil

George Lopez, Saint Michael the Archangel and the Devil, ca. 1955-1956, carved aspen and Palo Duro (mountain mahogany), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1986.65.256A-H
Copied George Lopez, Saint Michael the Archangel and the Devil, ca. 1955-1956, carved aspen and Palo Duro (mountain mahogany), 48 x 33 x 39 1⁄2 in. (122.0 x 83.8 x 100.3 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson, 1986.65.256A-H

Artwork Details

Title
Saint Michael the Archangel and the Devil
Artist
Date
ca. 1955-1956
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
48 x 33 x 39 1⁄2 in. (122.0 x 83.8 x 100.3 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of Herbert Waide Hemphill, Jr. and museum purchase made possible by Ralph Cross Johnson
Mediums
Mediums Description
carved aspen and Palo Duro (mountain mahogany)
Classifications
Subjects
  • Object — weapon — sword
  • Religion — angel — St. Michael
  • Religion — angel
  • Religion — Satan
Object Number
1986.65.256A-H
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1986.65.256A-H

Artwork Description

As foretold in the book of Revelation, Saint Michael the Archangel will fight an apocalyptic battle against Satan, who will wage this last war in the form of a dragon. In this carving the artist depicts an ominous, sharp-clawed devil as part snake, part insect.

"And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war, and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven."
—Revelation 12:7-8

Exhibition Label, Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2006