The archangels Michael And Gabriel

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By 1200s, the cult of Archangel Michael had spread across Europe, with multiple mountain sanctuaries dedicated to him. One such sanctuary was located at Monte Sant'Angelo on the Gargano Peninsula in southern Italy. The Angel is often depicted trampling on the devil in the form of a dragon, holding a spear in his raised right hand, and this representation became extremely popular, resulting in many surviving sculptures of this type. This particular St Michael has a companion figure in the V&A, the Archangel Gabriel (Museum no. 5800-1859), and some people believe that these figures, along with other sculptures now located in Florence, Boston, and Paris, were part of the supports for the Arca (shrine) of St Dominic in San Domenico Maggiore in Bologna. Nicola Pisano supervised the creation of the shrine between 1264-1267, while the young Arnolfo di Cambio and Fra Guglielmo carried out a significant portion of the work. Unfortunately, we do not have any information on what the original shrine looked like. It is possible that St Michael and St Gabriel were part of a different ensemble, possibly a pulpit, as John Charles Robinson stated upon their acquisition that they came from a church in the neighborhood of Pisa. These objects hold significant historical importance due to their rarity and exceptional quality. Outside Italy, examples of Tuscan carving from this period are extremely rare, especially those that were part of a larger architectural scheme. The level of craftsmanship displayed is also noteworthy, with some parts showcasing very high-quality workmanship. By examining the objects as separate entities, viewers can gain unique insight into how they were carved, and clearly see the drill holes and techniques used at the time. The objects are also crucial in establishing the canon of Tuscan sculpture carving and understanding the workshop of Nicola Pisano. Despite being subject to intense debate since their arrival at the museum, with varying attributions, it is evident that they are connected to Pisano's workshop and provide valuable information on the different hands involved and the possible output of the workshop.