Is the scene where Twilight Sparkle retrieves the Staff of Sacanas an homage to something?

Question

Twilight Sparkle descending from the clouds in an angelic pose holding the Staff of Sacanas looks really familiar. My instinct is it's a reference to an old painting.

Where is it from?

Answer 1

This image seems like a rendition of The Archangel Michael Descending From Heaven (To Do Battle With The Dragon), in this instance depicted by Francesco Maffei.

or

St Raphael Descending from Heaven, in this instance depicted by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo

Variations of these poses are seen across Western art where they're often mistaken (or conflated with) images of Christ on the Cross.