Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Semester of Degree Completion
1981
Thesis Director
Robert E. Snyder
Abstract
The objective of this thesis is to gather together under one cover samples of the many ways St. Michael is portrayed by creative artists in various locales and at different periods of time.
The first chapter is a condensation of the literature used for the study showing the characteristics attributed to St. Michael. He is portrayed as an Archangel existing in Heaven as the militant leader of the angels of God. He is purported to have appeared on earth as messenger of God, and is often considered judge and caretaker of man's soul after death. St. Michael is to have existed prior to the creation of the world and is scheduled to reappear at the end of the world.
Chapter two contains selected photographic reproductions of twenty works of visual art including drawings, paintings, and sculpture. The works range from classic art to folk art from such generally well-known artists as Raphael and Dürer to relatively obscure and unknown artists. The variety of works cover a period of time from the tenth to the twentieth centuries in Asia, Europe, and America.
In the third chapter music that has been composed with St. Michael as its inspiration is shown. A cantata, an organ solo, a vocal trio, a children's song, hymnody, and portions of liturgical services were selected as examples.
Literature that refers to the Archangel is discussed in chapter four. St. Michael is mentioned in biblical, apocryphal, and apocalyptic literature. He is included in some of the works of Milton, Yeats, and Longfellow and, in addition, is a useful topic for more contemporary writings.
Recommended Citation
Jaenike, Ruth, "St. Michael in the Arts" (1981). Masters Theses. 3012.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/3012
