A fine and imposing polychrome painted oak group of Saint Michael and the devil, Brabant Baroque, 17th century

finely carved in full round

Probably Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Mechelen.

Leven en gewoonten van de Antwerpse poorters in de 16de eeuw, Antwerpen 1985.
Engelen, Museum van Gerwen-Lemmens, Valkenswaard 1994, cat. no. 29, pp. 64-66, ill. 3.

In overall reasonably good condition. Traces of old woodworming. Polychromy and gilt-painting refreshed. Larger parts of old polychromy visible at lower waist and left leg of the Saint. Minor losses to the carvings, especially to the extremities. One larger vertical loss (circa 20 by 3cm.) to the waist cloth at proper left. Parts of shaft to the Saint's sword missing, losses to the flame ornaments of the blade. Some feathers to helmet restored. The shield reattached. There are some old restorations, a few reinforced with metal plates, such as to the Devil's left shoulder joint and to the proper right arm and shoulder of the Saint, as visible in the catalogue image. Few larger (dryness) cracks, such as one vertical crack running down from the Saint's neck to his waist cloth, to the Saint's proper left shoulder and down to the ellbow (partly restored). Both feet of the devil with restoration, both legs carved in separately, the left reattached. His right arm carved separately. His tail partly recarved / replaced. A few larger cracks to the devil's chest with an area of restoration. His right wing reattached, the left wing missing. Both his horns and left ear restored. An impressive piece.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Saint Michael counts among the archangels and is one of the principal angels in Jewish and Christian tradition. He is above all known and depicted as the defeater of the Devil and as the weigher of souls in the Final Judgement, but also as the field commander of the Army of God. In late Medieval Christianity, Michael, together with Saint George, became the patron saint of chivalry and is also considered as the patron saint of the warriors. Since the victorious battle on the Lechfeld (10 august 955) he was patron saint of the Holy Roman Empire, later of Germany.