South German carver (active in the 1st half of the 18th century) Museum statuette of St Michael The archangel and three angel heads made of carved ivory; the base made of black, white-veined and red marble, alabaster and mother-of-pearl. Fully sculpted, finely detailed statuette of the archangel Michael in a contrapposto, clad in imaginative, finely detailed antique armour with a helmet adorned with feathers. With his right index finger raised, Michael points to the heavens; in his left hand he holds a banner with the Jesus monogram "IHS" in a halo, symbolising the radiance emanating from the body of Christ. The richly designed and articulated base with angel heads and mother-of-pearl applications, on the front a cartouche with the Latin inscription "QUIS VI DEUS", which refers to God and the archangel Michael, the patron saint of Germany, prince of angels, fighter and hero against evil (like Lucifer). Modern label of Kunsthandlung Julius Böhler, Munich (late 20th century) on the underside of the plinth. Slightly dam.; figure h. approx. 16 cm; overall dimensions approx. 27.5 cm x 15 cm x 13 cm. CITES certificate available. Provenance: Dissolution of an important German private collection - part II; acquired in the Julius Böhler art dealership, Munich. South German ivory carver active first half 18th century. Carved ivory figure of Saint Michael the Archangel with angel heads, the base made of marble, alabaster and mother of pearl. Modern label (late 20th century) of the Kunsthandlung Böhler, Munich, on the bottom. Minor flaws. CITES included.