Luca Giordano – Archangel Michael Hurls the Rebellious Angels into the Abyss Kunsthistorisches Museum

The composition presents a dramatic confrontation between celestial and infernal forces. A central figure, clad in vibrant blue and crimson armor, dominates the scene. He stands poised above a chaotic mass of figures, his posture conveying both strength and righteous authority. The artist depicted him with a determined expression, holding aloft a gleaming sword, its blade angled downwards as if to deliver judgment. Large, feathered wings extend from his back, suggesting divine origin and power.
Below this central figure lies a swirling vortex of tormented beings. These figures are rendered in various states of distress – some writhe in agony, others reach out with desperate gestures, while still others appear resigned to their fate. Their bodies are contorted, their faces twisted in expressions of pain and despair. The artist used a palette of dark browns, blacks, and reds to emphasize the grim nature of this underworld realm. A palpable sense of movement is created through the dynamic arrangement of these figures, contributing to the overall feeling of turmoil.
The upper portion of the painting contrasts sharply with the chaos below. Here we see lighter tones – yellows and golds – suggesting a heavenly realm. Several smaller angelic figures are present, seemingly observing the unfolding drama from above. Their presence reinforces the hierarchical structure of the scene: the righteous triumphing over the wicked.
Subtly, the artist employs light to direct the viewer’s attention. A strong source of illumination emanates from behind the central figure, highlighting his form and casting dramatic shadows across the composition. This use of chiaroscuro intensifies the emotional impact of the scene, emphasizing the contrast between good and evil, order and chaos. The overall effect is one of overwhelming power and divine intervention, a visual representation of a cosmic struggle.