Archangel Michael of the Apocalypse

egg tempera, gold leaf on wood

Archangel Michael is the protector of the Earth in traditional iconography and Orthodox belief. The tongue of the dragon, which is being pierced by the Angel's spear, represents the "lies of civilization at the end of the world." This is an icon for our time, touching on ecology and the mindset that gives rise to the destruction of the Earth, as well as the state of mind that can offer true "salvation" (from salus, meaning health and safety) to humanity.