ITALIAN SCHOOL. oooooooooo RAPHAEL. cooooooooo FRENCH MUSEUM.

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SAINT MICHAEL.

The archangel Michael, covered with a cuirass, holds in one hand a shield, on which a red cross is painted, and in the other a sword with which he is about to strike demons represented under the most hideous forms. This early picture of Raphael is very interesting as it displays in some degree the point from which he first started; it is, however, far inferior to those sublime chefs-d'œuvre where only subjects of admiration abound.

It is difficult to explain Raphael's motive for placing at the background of the picture, to the right, four naked figures entwined by serpents, and at the left a procession of figures cloathed in capuchins of gold stuff, and advancing towards a burning edifice.

This picture, painted on the reverse of a chefs-board, tallies with that of St George described under no 55.

Height 1 foot; breadth 10 inches.