Saint Michael's Victory over the Devil, Bronze sculpture at Coventry Cathedral, United Kingdom
This bronze figure at the cathedral depicts Saint Michael in a modernist form, standing victoriously above a bound demonic figure beneath him. The work rises to about 25 feet (7.6 m) and is framed by enormous wings that give the composition its powerful visual presence.
The piece was created in 1958 by sculptor Jacob Epstein as part of rebuilding efforts following the cathedral's destruction during World War II. Its installation marked a turning point when the city chose to reshape its spiritual spaces using the artistic language of its own time.
The sculpture conveys the triumph of good over evil through a modernist artistic lens that feels both spiritual and contemporary. It stands as part of the cathedral's rebuilt visual language, showing how artists of that era reimagined traditional religious subjects.
The sculpture is mounted on the exterior east wall of the cathedral on the south side and can be seen clearly from ground level. You can view it from multiple angles by walking around the cathedral exterior.
The face of Michael was based on a real person named Wynne Godley, the husband of the sculptor's daughter. This personal connection adds a human dimension to the religious figure, weaving together the artist's private life with his spiritual vision.
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