Saint Michel terrassant le démon
1518
Raphael painted this dramatic showdown for Pope Leo X, who sent it as a diplomatic gift to the King of France—talk about a high-stakes present! The archangel Michael looks almost serene as he effortlessly pins down a writhing, horned Satan, showing off that classic High Renaissance confidence and idealized beauty. Legend has it that Raphael used his own face as the model for the angel, making this a divine self-portrait of sorts. It's a perfect mix of holy warfare and Italian swagger, now hanging proudly in the Louvre.
Location: Louvre Museum, Paris