M. Palumbo (XX) - San Michele Arcangelo

This panel depicts Archangel Michael, crafted according to the Byzantine iconographic tradition.
NOTES ON THE AUTHOR AND THE WORKING
Origin of the Author: Created by an artist and iconographer originally from Monte Sant'Angelo.
Formation and Technique: The author earned the certificate of iconographer at the Abbey of Santa Maria di Pulsano, where the monks handed down to him the ancient and rigorous method of egg tempera, combining natural pigments and egg yolk according to the canonical tradition.
Sacred Value: The work has already received the blessing inside the Celestial Cave of Monte Sant'Angelo, a place of worship historically consecrated to the presence of Saint Michael.
DESCRIPTION AND ICONOGRAPHIC SYMBOLISM
The icon follows the theological canons of Byzantine painting, where every stylistic and chromatic element has a precise spiritual meaning:
Subject and Attributes: Archangel Michael is depicted in a frontal and hierarchical position. In his right hand he wields a drawn sword, symbol of the Word of God, divine justice, and constant spiritual defense against the forces of evil. The ribbon between the hair (called torques or strophion) symbolizes attentive listening to the will of God and readiness to carry out His orders.
The Halo and the Leaf of Gold: The large golden halo represents the inaccessible light of God and holiness. The incorruptible gold symbolizes the Kingdom of Heaven and eternity.
The Inscriptions: At the top are the traditional abbreviations in Greek/Ecclesiastical Slavonic to indicate the subject’s identity: Ó Ách. Michaíl (The Archangel Michael).
SYMBOLISM OF COLORS IN RELIGIOUS DOCTRINE
In Byzantine icon theology, colors do not serve a purely decorative function but constitute a true theological language:
Red / Purple (Mantle and Wings): It is the color of divine fire, blood, royalty, and charitable love. The red garment and the warm tones on the wings indicate the Archangel’s spiritual ardor and his proximity to the throne of the divine as prince of the heavenly hosts.
Blue (Sleeves and Ribbons): Represents the mystery of the divine nature, the sky, and transcendence. Present on the sleeves of the garment and on the highlights, it symbolizes the celestial origin and the grace of the Holy Spirit that enfolds God’s messenger.
Green (Background): The dark green background represents the earth, the life that is renewed, and the action of God’s grace upon creation.
Gold: Symbol of the uncreated divine light. It surrounds the Saint’s face to indicate that his figure participates in the glory of the Kingdom of God.