I have recently completed a large original painting of Saint Michael the Archangel. This is a subject that had been requested many times over the years—perhaps more than any other. After much prayer and discernment and many hours of painting, it is finished.
In the Catholic tradition, Saint Michael is invoked as protector against evil and as a powerful intercessor in spiritual battle. This work was not a commission, but was created slowly and intentionally as a personal, prayerful painting.
This painting feels important, and I have appreciated your prayers throughout the journey. I sensed a lot of spiritual warfare surrounding this painting, which was not entirely surprising.
My hope is that the completed work will find a home in a church or chapel, where it may serve as an aid to prayer and devotion, and as a visual reminder of Saint Michael’s protection and fidelity to God.
Alongside the original painting, I am also offering fine art prints and devotional prayer cards (coming soon!) featuring the completed work and the traditional prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel. This is a prayer I learned as a child, and am now teaching my own children to pray daily.
If you have questions, or if you are interested in the future availability of the original painting, I encourage you to reach out through the contact form below.
Once the painting is framed and available for acquisition, I will send an email to everyone who has inquired with an information package about the painting and how to make a formal offer.
Please follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see the process and read about the discernment behind the imagery I incorporated into the painting.
Detail Photos
Symbolism
Armour: His armour shows signs of battle, indicating that it is not merely ornamental. Michael stands as a warrior in the midst of a real spiritual conflict. The worn metal reminds us of the seriousness of spiritual warfare. "Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Eph 6)
Spear: The spear represents Michael's authority as the leader of the armies of Heaven. It is a weapon that pierces, which speaks of precision and purpose: evil is not overcome through brute force, but by the authority and power entrusted to him by God.
Wings: The wings symbolize the spiritual nature of this battle. The three colours are a nod to the symbolism of angel wings in Christian iconography and the many ways angels reflect various aspects of God's glory. While the traditions vary, I personally see the white as representing his purity and heavenly nature, red as the authority and power entrusted to him by God, and blue as his relationship to humanity in bringing comfort and peace.
Dragon: The dragon lying under Michael's feet represents Satan and the powers of Hell, defeated by God's power.
Face: Michael's face is turned towards Heaven, drawing our gaze beyond himself to our God who reigns victorious. His face is sober, even sorrowful, for he knows the cost of battle. Yet he gazes toward Heaven with unwavering intensity and peace, for he knows Whom he fights for, and by Whose power the victory is won.
Gold halo: The gold halo represents Michael's holiness as a servant of God. The luminous background surrounds him with the light of Heaven, drawing our eyes away from the darkness beneath and upward toward the source of his strength. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." (John 1:5)
Frequently asked questions
What is this painting about?
This is a large original painting of St. Michael the Archangel. It is inspired by devotion to St. Michael as protector and defender. It is my hope that it may eventually find a home in a church or chapel.
The painting depicts him in stylized Roman armour with a spear in his hands. At his feet is a defeated dragon. Saint Michael looks up to Heaven—to God, the source of his victory. His face is somber. Dark clouds fill the background, and a faint glow and subtle halo surround his head.
Is this a commissioned work?
No, this is not a commission, but a personal piece created independently. I have received many requests for this painting—perhaps more than any other—and felt called to paint it for a long time. I am grateful that I finally had the opportunity.
Will the original painting be available for purchase?
Yes. Once completed and framed, the original will be available for acquisition. However, I will be carefully discerning the final home for this painting, and will give special consideration to churches and chapels. Please reach out to me through the contact form below if your parish or community is interested in learning more.
Can I reserve the painting in advance?
I am not taking formal reservations. However, you are welcome to express interest through the contact form, and I will respond to serious inquiries as the work progresses and once it is complete.
What size is the painting?
The painting is 32x40 inches, making it a large-scale work intended for presence in a liturgical space. It will be finished with a custom frame.
Who will own the rights to the image?
I will retain full reproduction rights to the image. This allows for the creation of prints and devotional materials, while the original remains a unique, one-of-a-kind work.
Will prints be available?
Yes, fine art prints are available. These are intended to allow individuals to bring the image into their homes for personal devotion. You can find them here.
Will prayer cards be available?
Yes. A new series of prayer cards featuring the painting and the St. Michael Prayer will be available soon. These are designed for personal prayer, gifts, or parish use.
How much will the original cost?
The price is not listed publicly. Serious inquiries will be given more details privately. While I have a value in mind, I will be prayerfully discerning placement and will prioritize a space where the work will be used in a devotional context, such as a church or chapel. For this reason, the painting will not simply go to the highest bidder, but where I believe God intends for this painting to reside.
Can the painting be shipped internationally?
My preference is to deliver and install the painting in person, limiting the range to reasonable driving distance. Such arrangements will be discussed privately with the buyer.
Can I use or reproduce the image?
The image is protected by copyright, and any use of the image must be approved in writing. Licensing fees may apply. Feel free to contact me for more information.
However, prints and prayer cards will be available for personal devotional use, and I encourage everyone to share the image with their friends and family through their social channels once it has been made public.