The painting shows the Archangel Saint Michael, in the dress of a Roman warrior, driving rebel angels out of heaven. These angels had chosen to side with Lucifer, once an angel himself but now pure evil, and known as the Devil, or Satan. He is often depicted as a dragon in the context of his battle with Saint Michael. The subject was taken from the biblical Book of Revelation. This was a popular painting, and several versions are known to have been made. This work is painted in the Mannerist style. This late Renaissance style was much influenced by the work of Michelangelo, and often features nudes in complex poses, as here, as well as bright colours and elongated proportions. The importance of this painting can be related to some explicit classical references typical of Renaissance work; for example the anatomically-detailed nudes and Saint Michael's costume.