St. Michael Brooch

St. Michael the Archangel appears in the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions. Medieval Christians envisioned him as a warrior against demonic forces and a defender of the faithful. Although he was also believed to receive and weigh the souls of the deceased, and admit them to heaven, a preponderance of images celebrate his military prowess, often showing him conquering a dragon which represents Satan.

Michael was venerated as the patron of military and chivalric orders and was called upon as an intercessor for the dying. He is now the patron saint of police officers, paramedics and the military.

His feast day is Sept. 29.

Our handsome large brooch is based on an example in the Museum der Stadt Worms dated to the fifteenth century.