The scales in the hand of the Archangel Michael stand for the judgement of God: Michael weighs souls. His name means “Who is like God?”; he is patron saint of the Church and of many parishes, and his feast day is 29 September.
Every figure is hand-carved in our partner workshop in Val Gardena (South Tyrol) – production is overseen by master sculptor Karl Demetz. Woodcarving has a long tradition in the Gardena Valley: as early as the 17th century it was widespread there. Every piece is one of a kind: grain, carving marks and painting always turn out a little different.
- Material: wood from the Gardena Valley – mainly lime wood, depending on size also maple or Swiss stone pine
- Heights: 20, 30, 40, 60, 80 cm
- Finishes: natural, multicolour stained, hand-painted, genuine gold leaf, antique genuine gold leaf
- Delivery time: approx. 3–4 weeks, insured shipping directly from the workshop in South Tyrol to Germany and Austria (€6.90)
- Returns: 14-day statutory right of withdrawal
The finishes at a glance –Natural: finely sanded, untreated wood.Multicolour stained: three stain tones with wax, with gold or silver accents on details and robe hems depending on the motif.Hand-painted: painted with oil paints, decorated with gold leaf and silver leaf details and fixed with lacquer.Genuine gold leaf: gilded with real gold leaf and then painted.Antique genuine gold leaf: fine crackle surface, gilded with real gold leaf and painted – looks like an old original.
A gift for the name day of Michael or Michaela, for Confirmation or for people in law and justice. You can read more about St Michael the Archangel in oursaints' encyclopaedia.
Motif & meaning
St Michael is one of the best-known archangels of Christian tradition. He is regarded as the leader of the heavenly hosts and as a fighter against evil. In the Book of Revelation he is described as the one who defeats the dragon and stands for the enforcement of divine order.
The depiction with sword and scales unites two central meanings. The sword symbolises protection, strength and determined commitment to what is good. The scales stand for justice and the weighing of souls. In this combination St Michael becomes a symbol of moral responsibility, examination of conscience and divine justice.
As a saint figure, St Michael is particularly suited to places of prayer and inner recollection. He is traditionally invoked as patron saint and is seen as a companion in times of decision and testing. In churches and chapels his depiction recalls the struggle between good and evil and the hope for justice.
In a private setting St Michael with Scales can serve as a spiritual point of reference. As a gift for religious feasts, personal milestones or as a gift of protection, the figure combines spiritual meaning with lasting craft quality.
Finish, origin & special features
The figure of St Michael with Scales is created in traditional woodcarving in Val Gardena, South Tyrol. The material is mainly lime wood, as it allows fine detail and clear contours particularly well. Depending on size and series, Swiss stone pine or maple are also used. After controlled drying the wood is cut and carved entirely by hand.
In several steps the basic forms are laid out first, then face, armour, wings, sword and scales are carefully worked out. After sanding comes the respective surface finishing. Natural figures show the lively structure of the wood, while stained or multicolour stained versions bring out depth and contrasts in the drapery. Coloured finishes are painted by hand with oil paints and set deliberate accents.
For the genuine gold leaf and antique genuine gold leaf finishes, the figure is prepared with a gesso ground. Gold leaf is applied to it by hand. Through targeted treatment, the antique genuine gold leaf finish receives a fine craquelure structure that gives the figure a historic, sacred effect. A final sealant protects the surface.
Every figure undergoes a strict final inspection. Depending on the series, it may bear a Val Gardena quality label confirming its origin in Val Gardena. Regardless of this, every finish stands for craft care, traditional production and expressive religious symbolism.
Dimensions & finish
| Motif | St Michael the Archangel with Scales–Material: wood from the Gardena Valley – mainly lime wood, depending on size also maple or Swiss stone pine–Production: hand-carved in Val Gardena, South Tyrol (production under master sculptor Karl Demetz)–Finishes: Natural, multicolour stained, hand-painted, genuine gold leaf, antique genuine gold leaf–Heights: 20, 30, 40, 60, 80 cm–Origin: Italy (South Tyrol)–Workshop article number: 5510 |
| Origin | Italy |
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| Item number | 1219361581694 |
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| EAN | |
Package contents
- – 1 × wooden statue “St Michael the Archangel with Scales” in the chosen size and finish
- – transport-safe packaging
- – insured shipping directly from the workshop in South Tyrol
Notes
–Delivery time: approx. 3–4 weeks – your figure is prepared in the workshop and shipped directly from South Tyrol–Shipping: insured, to Germany and Austria €6.90–Returns: 14-day statutory right of withdrawal–Transport damage: please report within 48 hours – hallo@lunexus.world or +49 30 2178 2502 (German and English)–One of a kind: grain, colour tone and fine details vary from piece to piece–Care: for indoor use; dust dry with a soft cloth, no cleaning agents; do not polish gilded surfaces