Rights Managed > Historic England > Fine Art > Sculpture and statuary
St Michael and the devil UXC01_01_01_0009_18
Filename: uxc01_01_01_0009_18.jpg
Size: 3843 x 5762 (5.1MB)
Date: 27th June 2018
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Copyright Status: Copyrighted Work
Source: Historic England Archive
Owner URL: images.historicenglandservices.org.uk
© Historic England Archive
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
St Michael and the devil UXC01_01_01_0009_18
St Michaels Cathedral, Coventry, Coventry, Coventry. Detail of the Jacob Epstein sculpture of St Michael over Lucifer holding a long spear in his right hand, arms and wings outstretched, with Lucifers feet bound by chains and his arms bound behind his back. The sculpture is attached to the baptistery wall near the porch. It is hung so that Lucifers nearly horizontal body aligns with the top of the steps that ascend towards the porch, and the top of St Michaels wings nearly reach halfway up the porch. Photographed by Ursula Clark after 1955
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 15160836
© Historic England Archive
Church Mid 20th Century Sculpture Epstein
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the awe-inspiring sculpture of St Michael and the devil at St Michaels Cathedral in Coventry. Created by renowned artist Jacob Epstein, this powerful masterpiece depicts St Michael triumphantly holding a long spear in his right hand, with his arms and wings outstretched. Meanwhile, Lucifer is depicted bound by chains around his feet and arms, symbolizing his defeat. The photograph beautifully showcases the intricate details of Epstein's sculpture, highlighting the skillful craftsmanship that went into its creation. The positioning of the sculpture adds to its impact; it is attached to the baptistery wall near the porch so that Lucifer's nearly horizontal body aligns perfectly with the top of the steps ascending towards it. St Michaels wings are also prominently displayed, reaching halfway up towards the porch. This composition creates a striking visual contrast between good and evil, as well as an overwhelming sense of power emanating from St Michael. Photographed by Ursula Clark after 1955 for Historic England Archive, this image preserves not only a significant piece of mid-20th-century art but also an important religious symbol within Coventry's history. The photograph serves as a testament to both Epstein's talent as an artist and St Michaels Cathedral's cultural significance.
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