Sebastiano Ricci: The Fall of the Rebel Angels (1720)

(Dulwich Picture Gallery, Dulwich, England)

Sebastiano Ricci (1659-1734) was an Italian painter. This scene is from the Bible - The book of Revelation 12:2-9. In this story a wars breaks out in Heaven as the angel Lucifer rebels against God. The Archangel Michael defeats the angels who have risen up against God and cast them out of Heaven. These angels, including Lucifer, fall down from heaven into the Earth and create a crater which becomes Hell. Saint Michael is seen here with his sword and shield which shines with heavenly light. Painting from 1720.