Saint Michael with Brass Scales, Circa 1800
Saint Michael with Brass Scales, Circa 1800
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An Unusual Carved Wooden Figure of Saint Michael with Brass Scales, Circa 1800
A compelling carved wooden figure of Saint Michael, dating to circa 1800, distinguished by the inclusion of finely made brass scales. Both devotional and deeply symbolic, the sculpture depicts the Archangel in his role as psychopomp and judge of souls, the scales representing the weighing of human deeds at the Last Judgment.
Saint Michael has long been one of the most powerful and enduring figures in Christian iconography. Most often represented as a warrior vanquishing the devil, he also appears as the celestial judge, holding scales in which souls are weighed. Here, the juxtaposition of the warm, time-softened wood and the delicate brass balance creates a particularly striking and unusual interpretation of this familiar subject.
The figure has a strong sculptural presence, with the natural ageing of the carved timber lending depth and character to its surface. The brass scales add both visual refinement and an engaging sense of narrative, making this far more than a purely decorative object: it is a vivid expression of faith, morality, and the rich visual language of religious art.
Whether displayed in an interior, library, chapel, or collection of religious and folk art, this unusual figure would make a memorable focal point. A rare and evocative devotional object, it offers both decorative impact and a tangible connection to the spiritual imagination of the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Carved wood and brass; circa 1800. Please refer to the photographs for condition, dimensions, and details of construction.
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