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José Raphael Aragon

Archangel Saint Michael (San Miguel)

c. 1840
Water-based paint on wood panel
22.5 × 14.9 cm (8.9 × 5.9 in)

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● On view now — Collection Gallery, Room 17, South Wall

Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia · verified July 2026

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FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

This retablo (devotional painting) exhibits the style of Roman Catholic painters in New Mexico during the 19th century. It depicts a scene from the New Testament in which the archangel Saint Michael slays a multiheaded dragon, likely the fallen angel Satan. Michael is arrayed in battle armor and raises a Spanish saber above his head to execute the dragon, which spews fire as Michael tramples it. This panel would have been used for private prayer in a home or chapel.

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