Crucifixion Saints Michael Archangel Andrew and Francis

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This painting, titled Crucifixion with Saints Michael the Archangel, Andrew, and Francis of Assisi, was created by the Flemish master Adriaen Isenbrant around 1510–1530. Housed in the Museum of Fine Arts (Szépművészeti Múzeum) in Budapest, this oil-on-oak panel stands as a significant example of the Northern Renaissance style. 

The composition is divided into two distinct planes, representing a vast stretch of time from the fall of Satan to the early 16th century: 

Foreground Figures. Archangel Michael (Left): Clad in golden armor, he is depicted as a celestial warrior. He holds a sword and a long-staffed cross, standing triumphantly over Satan, who is pinned beneath his foot. Continue reading after advertisement

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Saint Andrew (Center): He is positioned in the middle, identifiable by his primary attribute: the X-shaped "cross saltire" on which he was crucified. He is shown reading a book, representing the apostolic era.

Saint Francis of Assisi (Right): Dressed in his simple brown friar's habit, he is shown with his hands raised, clearly displaying the stigmata (the wounds of Christ).

Background Scene

In the distance, a traditional Crucifixion scene unfolds. The Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist stand on either side of the cross, while Mary Magdalene kneels at its base. The landscape is typical of Isenbrant’s style, featuring rocky formations, a winding river, and a distant city that may be an ironic contrast to the holy scene, showing soldiers in armor similar to Michael's marching toward an earthly war. 

Get a set of 5 restored images (including the featured on this post), now on sale

This image is a public domain image, which means either that copyright has expired in the image or the copyright holder has waived their copyright. Franciscan Gallery charges for the access to high resolution copy of the image. Manually restoration was necessary in order to improve quality, without covering the original image.