“Archangel Michael” - Guido Reni - c. 1636 This painting is a product
“Archangel Michael” - Guido Reni - c. 1636This painting is a product of bitter rivalry between the Barberini and Pamphilj (two arriviste papal families). Cardinal Antonio Barberini (brother of the ruling Pope Urban VIII) commissioned this painting, showing the Archangel Michael trampling Satan. Satan has the vividly recognizable features of the Pamphilj. The Pamphilj soon got their revenge when Giovanni Battista Pamphilj became Pope Innocent X. One of his first actions was to go after the Barberini. He charged them with corruption and confiscated their property. Cardinals Francesco and Antonio Barberini and Gonfalonier Taddeo Barberini fled to France and sought the protection of Cardinal Mazarin. Pope Innocent X did not back down until Cardinal Mazarin prepared to send troops to attack the Papal States. -- source link
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