Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel in Latin
Artist
Michael Johnson
Date2022
MediumGiclée print
Dimensions21 x 27 in. (53.3 x 68.6 cm)
ClassificationsPrintmaking
Credit LineGift of the Artist
Object number2022.206
DescriptionEnglish TranslationThis manuscript painting is a prayer to St. Michael the Archangel to intercede on our behalf to protect us against daily assaults from Satan.
Saint Michael Archangel,
defend us in battle,
be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil;
may God rebuke him, we humbly pray;
and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host,
by the power of God, cast into hell
Satan and all the evil spirits
who prowl through the world seeking the ruin of souls
A brief explanation of the symbolism in this painting:
Saint Michael the Archangel isn't a saint, but rather he is an angel, and the leader of all angels and of the army of God. St. Michael’s main responsibility is to combat Satan. This prayer is to ask St. Michael to intercede on our behalf by protecting against daily temptations from the devil. Each flower has its meaning rooted in fourteenth and fifteenth century illuminated manuscripts that symbolize death and Resurrection. Vines are used as a common symbol of Christ and Christian faith. The stylized lilies in the border surrounding the icon are a symbol for purity. Pea flowers and pods represent the unity of the Trinity. The daisy is a symbol of the Innocence of the Christ. The blue five-petal forget-me-nots and the four-petal speedwells signify remembrance. The color of a rose has unique symbolism pertaining to the three virtues - Faith is white, Hope is green and Love is red. The butterfly is a symbol for the cycles of life; caterpillar, chrysalis, and finally, the butterfly. Birds are the symbol of the “Winged Soul”. They are used to suggest the Spiritual, as opposed to the material. Ants and bees that are scattered throughout the composition are used because of their industrious habits, as symbols of activity, diligence, work and good order. The spots of the seven-spot ladybug symbolize Mary’s Seven Joys and Seven Sorrows.
Source:
https://www.capiolumenimages.com/product-page/prayer-to-saint-michael-archangel-2017
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