Saint Michael Slaying the Dragon

Martin Schongauer

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing depicting an angelic figure standing triumphantly over a defeated beast. The central figure is a winged angel wearing long robes and a detailed cloak. The angel is holding a staff or spear, pressed down onto the beast below. The beast has chaotic dragon-like features with claws, a serpentine tail, and a contorted face. The artist used intricate line work to depict texture and detail in the clothing, feathers, and hair. The scene conveys a dramatic struggle and victory, rendered in precise black-and-white lines reminiscent of engravings from the Northern Renaissance.