Flandes, Juan de (Flemish, practiced in Spain, active 1496-1519) Flemish painters

The composition presents a striking juxtaposition of two figures set against a luminous gold background. On the left, a youthful figure with wings stands triumphantly over a monstrous, serpentine creature. The winged individual holds aloft a cross, its form rendered with careful attention to drapery and facial features. The posture conveys strength and victory; the stance is assertive, the gaze directed forward. Beneath this victorious scene lies a dark, coiled beast – its scales meticulously detailed, suggesting both power and menace.
To the right of this encounter stands another figure, clad in a simple brown habit with a rope knotted around his waist. This individual’s posture mirrors that of the winged figure; hands raised in an attitude of supplication or perhaps offering. The face is rendered with a quiet solemnity, conveying humility and introspection. A subtle archway frames this figure, creating a sense of enclosure and emphasizing its separation from the action on the left.
The gold background contributes significantly to the painting’s overall effect. It creates an otherworldly atmosphere, elevating the figures beyond the mundane realm. The texture of the gold is visible, adding depth and complexity to the surface. Beneath each figure are inscriptions in a script that appears to identify them.
Subtly, the work explores themes of spiritual conflict and devotion. The battle between good and evil is visually represented through the confrontation with the serpentine creature, while the second figure embodies piety and perhaps intercession. The mirroring postures suggest a connection – perhaps an understanding or shared experience – between the victorious warrior and the supplicant. The overall impression is one of restrained drama, emphasizing spiritual struggle and divine grace within a framework of formal symmetry.