UNKNOWN GOLDSMITH, Italian
(active 13th century in Venice)

The Archangel Michael

13th century
Enamel
Basilica di San Marco, Venice

The picture shows one of the over two hundred and fifty enamels of the Pala d'Oro ("golden altarpiece), a masterpiece of medieval goldsmith's work. Along the top of the lower register of the altarpiece appear Michael and the other Archangels, twelve in all, arranged in two groups of six.

Archangel Michael is clad in a dark-blue enamel robe over a sky-blue garment, richly embroidered at hem and collar. His dark curly hair is picked out against the green halo. The figure is framed by elegant spiral columns, also dark blue.