Bevagna, San Michele, west portal, left impost, St. Michael and the dragon, signatures of artists
On the left impost of the west portal, St. Michael, the patron of the church, spears a winged and feathered dragon with claws and a tail ending in a serpent’s head. Michael holds a book inscribed with verses comparing him to a lion (“Michael vt leo...”) and celebrating his victory in the struggle with the one (Lucifer) who compared himself to God in his pride. To the left, another inscription identifies Rodulfus and Binellus as the makers of the work and asks Christ to bless them always and Michael to protect them (“Rodvlfvs et Binellv fece(run)t hec opera. Chr(istu)s benedicat ilos senper et Michael custodiat”). Across the square, an inscription of 1195 on the facade of the church of San Silvestro (St. Silvester) identifies Binellus as the builder and suggests an approximate date for San Michele. Michael’s eyes and the cavities cut from the stole were likely filled with colored stones or enamels, like the Cosmatesque inlaid decoration around the portal.
D'Emilio photo archive no. s19772016_683u (13.4.26/JD)Galleries:Bevagna (Umbria), Binellus (Bevagna), Dragons, Imposts with figural decoration, Inscribed books in sculpture, Inscriptions with names of architects or sculptors, Italy 1190s, Jambs with geometric ornament, Religious Sculpture, Rodulfus (Bevagna), St. Michael the ArchangelKeywords:claws, crozier, dragonPhoto Location: Bevagna (Umbria), ItalyPhotographer: Dr. James D’EmilioDate of Photo:Device Make: NikonDevice Model: Nikon SUPER COOLSCAN 5000 EDOriginal Dimensions: 5238×3546Picture Orientation: LandscapeGPS Coordinates:Picture Number: 22670
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