St. Michael the Archangel, often depicted as a powerful angelic warrior defeating evil forces, has long been a symbol of protection, courage, and righteousness in various religious traditions. Throughout history, artists from different cultures and eras have created stunning statues to honor this celestial figure. In this article, we will explore the top 9 most famous St. Michael statues from around the world, each with its unique artistic interpretation and historical significance.
About St. Michael the Archangel
St. Michael the Archangel is one of the most revered and powerful figures in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the Baha'i faith. He is often depicted as a warrior and the leader of the heavenly hosts, who fights against the forces of evil and protects the people of God. He is also known as the guardian of souls, the vanquisher of rebel spirits, and the servant in the house of the Divine King. St. Michael is often depicted as a warrior with a sword or a spear, wearing armor and a cloak, and standing over a defeated dragon or demon.
He is mentioned in several sacred texts, such as the Book of Daniel, the Book of Enoch, the Book of Revelation, and the Qur'an. He has many titles and attributes, such as Saint Michael, Archangel Michael, Saint Michael the Taxiarch, Prince of the heavenly hosts, and Michaelmas. He is venerated in various ways by different traditions, such as prayers, shrines, feasts, and icons.
The Legend of Saint Michael
The legend of Saint Michael is a story of faith, courage, and victory over evil. Saint Michael is the chief of the archangels, the commander of the heavenly armies, and the protector of the Church. He is often depicted in military dress, holding a sword or a banner, and slaying Satan or a dragon. According to the Bible, he fought against Satan and his fallen angels in a war in heaven and cast them down to earth. He also appeared to Daniel, Jude, and John in their visions, and helped them understand God's plan for the end times. He is also believed to have assisted Jesus in judging the souls of the dead at the Last Judgment.
One of the most famous legends of Saint Michael is his appearance at Mont-Saint-Michel, a rocky island off the coast of Normandy, France. According to this legend, Saint Michael appeared to Aubert, the bishop of Avranches, in a dream and asked him to build a church on the island. Aubert ignored the request until Saint Michael burned a hole in his skull with his finger. Aubert then obeyed and built a small chapel on the island, which later became a famous pilgrimage site and a symbol of French national identity. The legend also says that Saint Michael helped the defenders of Mont-Saint-Michel against the attacks of the English during the Hundred Years' War.
Top 9 Most Famous St. Michael Statues in the World
St. Michael is one of the most revered archangels in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. He is often depicted as a warrior angel who fights against the forces of evil, especially the devil. Throughout history, many artists have created statues of St. Michael to honor his role as a protector and a judge. Here are some of the most famous St. Michael statues in the world:
1. St. Michael's Statue at Mont Saint-Michel, France
St. Michael's Statue at Mont Saint-Michel in Paris, France is a bronze sculpture of the archangel Michael, the patron saint of the island and its abbey. The statue was created by Emmanuel Frémiet, a French sculptor who also made the equestrian statue of Joan of Arc in Paris.
The statue was installed on top of the spire of the abbey in 1898, replacing an earlier copper statue that was damaged by lightning. The statue is 4.5 meters (15 feet) tall and weighs 520 kilograms (1,150 pounds). It depicts St. Michael in Roman armor, holding a sword and a balance, and standing over a dragon that represents the devil.
The statue is a symbol of the spiritual and military heritage of Mont Saint-Michel, which has been a place of pilgrimage and a fortress for centuries. The statue can be seen from afar, especially when it is illuminated at night. It is also visible from the Saint-Michel Fountain in Paris, which was built in 1860 and features a similar sculpture of St. Michael by Francisque-Joseph Duret.
2. St Michael's Victory over the Devil in London, England
The Statue of St Michael's Victory over the Devil in London, England is a remarkable work of art that represents the triumph of good over evil. It was created by the famous sculptor Jacob Epstein in 1958 and installed on the east wall of the new Coventry Cathedral, which is dedicated to St Michael, the patron saint of the city.
The sculpture depicts a winged angel with a spear, standing over the defeated figure of the devil, who lies bound and helpless on the ground. The angel's face was modeled after Wynne Godley, one of Epstein's sons-in-law. The sculpture is made of bronze and measures about 25 feet (7.6 meters) high and 23 feet (7 meters) wide.
It is one of the last major works of Epstein, who died in 1959, and it was unveiled in 1961 by his widow Kathleen. The sculpture is a symbol of hope and resilience for the people of Coventry, who suffered greatly during the Second World War when their old cathedral was destroyed by German bombs.
3. The Statue of St Michael in Rome, Italy
The Statue of St Michael in Rome, Italy is a bronze sculpture that crowns the top of Castel Sant'Angelo, a former mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian and later a papal fortress. The statue was created by the Flemish sculptor Peter Anton von Verschaffelt in 1753 and replaced an earlier marble statue by Raffaello da Montelupo.
The statue depicts the Archangel Michael sheathing his sword, a symbol of the end of the plague that afflicted Rome in 590. According to a legend, Pope Gregory the Great saw a vision of an angel on top of the castle while leading a procession to pray for the cessation of the epidemic. The castle was then renamed after the angel, who became the patron saint of the city.
4. The Statue of St Michael in Kiev, Ukraine
The Statue of St. Michael in Kiev, Ukraine is a symbol of the city's faith and resilience. It depicts the archangel Michael, the patron saint of Kyiv, holding a sword and a shield, ready to defend the city from any threat. The statue was erected in 2002 above the Liadsky Gate in Independence Square, the main square of Kyiv.
The statue is made of bronze and gold and stands 4 meters tall. The archangel Michael is also featured on the coat of arms of Kyiv, which was restored in 1995 after being replaced by chestnut leaves during the Soviet era. The statue is located near the Golden Monastery of St. Michael the Archangel, a historic Orthodox monastery that was rebuilt in 1991 after being destroyed by the Soviets in the 1930s. The statue and the monastery are both reminders of the spiritual heritage and the cultural identity of Kyiv, as well as its hope for peace and freedom in the face of Russian aggression.
5. The Statue of St Michael in Brussels, Belgium
The Statue of St. Michael in Brussels, Belgium is a symbol of the city's patron saint and protector. The statue depicts the archangel Michael, who is considered the leader of God's army and the defender of the faithful, slaying a dragon or a devil with his sword. The statue is made of gilt metal and stands five meters high on top of the spire of the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, which is one of the most important landmarks in Brussels.
The cathedral was built in a Gothic style between the 13th and 15th centuries, and it contains many artistic and historical treasures, such as stained glass windows, a Baroque pulpit, and a large organ. The statue of St. Michael can also be seen on another monument in Brussels, the Jules Anspach Fountain, which is located near the city center. The fountain was built in 1897 to honor the former mayor of Brussels, who was responsible for many urban reforms. The fountain features several bronze sculptures, including St. Michael, who represents the triumph of good over evil.
6. The Statue of St Michael in Monte Sant'Angelo, Italy
One of the most striking features of the Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo, a Roman Catholic shrine dedicated to the Archangel Michael, is the bronze statue of St. Michael that overlooks the entrance of the cave where he is said to have appeared in the 5th century. The statue, which was made by Andrea Sansovino in 1507, depicts St. Michael as a warrior with a sword and a shield, ready to defend the faithful from evil. The statue is a symbol of the devotion and gratitude of the pilgrims who have visited the cave for centuries, seeking protection and healing from the celestial patron.
The cave, which is located on Mount Gargano in the province of Foggia, northern Apulia, is considered to be the oldest shrine in Western Europe dedicated to St. Michael and one of the seven sacred sites along an imaginary line known as "The Sword of Saint Michael." It has been an important site of pilgrimage since the early Middle Ages and has been visited by many popes and saints, such as St Francis of Assisi, St Bernard of Clairvaux, St Bridget of Sweden, Pope John Paul II, and Pope Benedict XVI. The cave is also unique in that it is the only building of worship in the Catholic Church that has not been consecrated by man but by St. Michael himself.
The Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011 and is a place of spiritual and cultural significance for Christians around the world. The statue of St. Michael is a reminder of the presence and power of the Archangel who watches over his devotees and invites them to enter his sacred cave.
7. The Statue of St Michael in Hamburg, Germany
The Statue of St Michael in Hamburg, Germany is a remarkable work of art that stands as a symbol of the city's history and culture. The statue depicts the archangel Michael, the patron saint of Hamburg, slaying a dragon that represents the forces of evil. The statue was created by the sculptor Johann Melchior Röding in 1750 and is located on the roof of St. Michael's Church, one of the most prominent landmarks in Hamburg.
The statue is made of copper and is about 4 meters high and 3 meters wide. It is coated with gold leaf to make it shine in the sun. The statue is visible from many parts of the city and is a popular tourist attraction. The statue also has a religious significance, as it expresses the Christian belief in the victory of good over evil and the protection of God's people.
8. The Statue of St. Michael in Mexico City, Mexico
The Statue of St. Michael in Mexico City, Mexico is a remarkable sight that overlooks the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most important religious sites in the country. The statue depicts the archangel Michael, who is considered the protector of the faithful and the leader of God's army, slaying a dragon that represents Satan.
The statue stands on top of Tepeyac Hill, where according to tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to a native man named Juan Diego in 1531 and asked him to build a church in her honor. The statue was erected in 1895 and is made of marble and bronze. It is one of the less familiar attractions of the basilica complex, but it offers a stunning view of the city and a symbol of faith and victory over evil.
9. The Statue of St. Michael, Saint Michael church, Munich, Germany
One of the most striking features of St. Michael's Church in Munich, Germany, is the large bronze statue of the Archangel Michael that stands between the two entrances of the facade. The statue, created by Hubert Gerhard in 1595, depicts Michael as a warrior of God, wearing armor and a helmet, holding a sword and a shield, and stepping on a monstrous creature that represents evil.
The statue symbolizes the triumph of the Catholic faith over the Protestant Reformation, as well as the victory of good over evil. The statue is also a reminder of the patronage of Duke William V, who commissioned the church and the statue as a spiritual center for the Counter-Reformation. The church is the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps and has a magnificent interior with a barrel-vaulted ceiling, a high altar, and numerous paintings and sculptures. The church is located on Neuhauser Street 6, in the heart of Munich, and is open to visitors every day from 7:00 to 20:30.
Final Thoughts
St. Michael the Archangel continues to inspire artists and believers worldwide, resulting in a rich tapestry of iconic statues that reflect his protective and courageous nature. These top 9 St. Michael statues, located in various corners of the globe, not only serve as beautiful works of art but also as enduring symbols of hope, faith, and the eternal battle between good and evil.
See more: Tourist Knocks Over And Destroys Saint Michael Statue While Taking A Selfie